A possible legal battle hangs over the Mall of Africa shopping centre in Midrand after a lapsed rental lease was not renewed for a popular clothing brand this month, reports TimesLIVE.

Amakipkip took to social media on Wednesday alleging the store was facing ‘illegal eviction’ after four years.

Mall of Africa confirmed it did not renew Amakipkip's contract for June, a decision which has sparked controversy.

Amakipkip's attorney Bill Kobras, in a letter to shopping centre management which went viral, criticised its decision not to renew the clothing store's contract.

He demanded Amakipkip be granted the opportunity to negotiate and extend the contact for the rest of the year.

‘The sudden change and termination is without any justifiable reason or explanation. If this matter cannot be resolved between the parties at this stage, we advise an urgent court application will be instituted to enforce and protect our client's rights in this regard,’ Kobras said.

Amakipkip CEO Nkosana Modise also penned an urgent letter to shopping centre management requesting to retain their spot. The lease saga has ignited outrage on social media among loyal Amakipkip customers who asked the mall to publicly explain the business rationale behind the decision.

Responding to allegations of discrimination, management said: ‘Mall of Africa is aware of the allegations online regarding alleged displacement of a proudly SA black-owned business. Mall of Africa prides itself on inclusivity and supports and welcomes all tenants and patrons, irrespective of race, religion, culture, orientation or identification.’

Full TimesLIVE report