- Credit management company Shackleton approached the Johannesburg High Court seeking judgment against former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns striker George Lebese
- Lebese allegedly fell behind on monthly instalments for a luxury vehicle worth over R1.3 million, financed through WesBank in June 2019
- Shackleton sent Lebese a formal notice under the National Credit Act, but the footballer allegedly did not respond or seek debt counselling
A credit management company has turned to the courts to recover more than half a million rands from former professional footballer George Lebese, once a fan favourite at both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Source: Instagram
According to a report by Africa Daily, it is established that Shackleton filed papers at the Johannesburg High Court last week seeking a judgment against Lebese after he allegedly defaulted on monthly payments for a luxury saloon car valued at over R1.3 million. At the time of filing, the company claims Lebese owed in excess of R500,000.
How the debt arose
Court documents show that WesBank, a division of FirstRand Bank, concluded an electronically signed instalment sale agreement with Lebese on 26 June 2019. The total purchase consideration stood at R865,293.84, covering the vehicle's cash price, accessories, service and delivery charges, an initiation fee and finance charges.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lebese committed to paying a R60,000 deposit and monthly instalments of over R12,000 across 72 months, with the first payment due on 26 June 2019 and the last scheduled for 25 July 2025. Ownership of the vehicle was to remain with WesBank until all outstanding amounts had been settled in full.
WesBank later transferred its rights and interest in the debt to Shackleton through a written deed of cession concluded on 26 June 2025, which took retrospective effect from 1 April 2025.
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Lebese allegedly ignored demand notices
Shackleton contends that Lebese breached the agreement by failing to maintain his instalments after WesBank had fulfilled its obligations and the footballer had taken delivery of the vehicle.
Following the alleged breach, Shackleton says it complied with the National Credit Act by sending Lebese a registered letter at his chosen legal address, informing him of the default and outlining the options available to him. Those options included referring the matter to a debt counsellor, an alternative dispute resolution agent, a consumer court or an ombud.
The company alleges Lebese did not pursue any of those avenues, leaving Shackleton to seek court intervention. The agreement was subsequently cancelled, making the full balance immediately payable.
Court papers record the plaintiff's claim as follows:
"Payment in the sum of R578,004.05. Costs of suit on the attorney-and-client scale."
Lebese did not answer phone calls or respond to written questions sent to him ahead of publication.
Inside Former Kaizer Chiefs star George Lebese’s restaurant
Briefly News previously reported that George Lebese has successfully ventured into the hospitality industry with his premium restaurant,
Beyond football, Lebese has launched a streetwear brand, Assets Clothing, which reflects his personal style and entrepreneurial spirit in the fashion industry
Source: Briefly News