URGENT PUBLIC WARNING: ACCOMMODATION ***** April 2, 2026·by *** Named in this report Booking.com+***7 Blue Whale 1 (also operating as Whalerock Modern Beachfront Apartment)113 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275, South Africa

Named in this report Booking.com+***7 Blue Whale 1 (also operating as Whalerock Modern Beachfront Apartment)113 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275, South Africa

PLATFORM: Booking.com PROPERTY NAME: Blue Whale 1 (also operating as Whalerock Modern Beachfront Apartment) PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 113 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275, South Africa HOST CONTACT: +***7

THE INCIDENT SUMMARY A booking was made and paid in full (ZAR 3,913) via Booking.com for the dates of 29 March – 31 March. Upon arrival at the physical address in Margate, the property was unavailable due to a double booking. Despite having three young children and a disabled family member, the host offered no alternative accommodation or assistance. As a direct result of this host's failure to provide the service paid for, my family was forced to sleep in the car.

RED FLAGS & HOST CONDUCT Review ******ion: The host is currently refusing to process a refund unless all public warnings and reviews regarding this incident are removed. High-Pressure Tactics: When requested for a refund for the services not rendered, the host resorted to aggressive legal threats and claims of being a lawyer to intimidate us into silence. Communication Gaps: The host claimed to be out of the country and unable to receive calls, yet was actively engaging in WhatsApp disputes and answering mobile calls simultaneously. Booking.com Negligence: Despite being notified that a family was stranded and the host was demanding the removal of reviews in exchange for a refund (Review ******ion), Booking.com has failed to intervene or secure the funds.

LEGAL STATUS SAPS: A ******** case for Theft by False Pretenses is being opened against the holder of the contact number +***7. Consumer Protection: A formal complaint is being lodged with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) for a breach of the Consumer Protection Act regarding "unconscionable conduct" and "failure to provide services."

ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC DO NOT BOOK THIS PROPERTY. Whether on Booking.com or any other platform, avoid "Blue Whale 1" or any listing associated with +***7. This host does not fulfill bookings and uses the "non-refundable" policy as a tool for *****. Booking.com Users: Be aware that the platform's support has proven ineffective in this emergency. If you have been affected by this specific host, please report them to the South African Police Service immediately.