A Port Elizabeth couple – due to go head-to-head in court with the Watson family today after a dispute – threw in the towel last night, withdrawing their intention to defend an eviction application to vacate an upmarket Kragga Kamma wedding venue.

The Herald reports claims of a campaign of threats, harassment and intimidation allegedly waged against the former owners of the Lake De La Vie Wedding and Conference Centre by members of ex-Bosasa boss Gavin Watson’s family are contained in papers before the Eastern Cape High Court (Port Elizabeth).

At the centre of the dispute is a lease agreement for the running of Lake De La Vie, which has since closed its doors.

Businessman Valence Watson wanted Kevin and Beverley Eke off his land immediately, claiming they remained in occupation of the property unlawfully.

But the Ekes had launched two counter-claims against the Watson family, claiming that they, in turn, were owed hundreds of thousands of rands.

However, with the decision to withdraw their intention to defend, the couple’s counter-claims also fell by the wayside.

The dispute would have seen chartered accountant Jared Watson testify as the first witness in the High Court on behalf of his father, Valence. It is understood that Jared was on his way to Port Elizabeth yesterday when the Ekes informed their lawyer that they no longer wanted to proceed with the matter.

Full report in The Herald