Default Notice and Payment Dispute

On 5 February 2026, I received a Default Notice from your office regarding an account with Dr. Jeffrey Swartzenberg, a radiologist, dated 2024. This account was never communicated to us. I requested proof of such communication from Brian Zitha, as I personally contacted the radiologist’s office for a statement, but it was never sent to me. Despite this, you clearly had our contact details, since the Notice was delivered.

The only explanation I received was a message claiming that: An SMS with account and banking details was sent on 16 July 2024, followed by a WhatsApp message requesting payment or a payment plan. An SMS with account and banking details was sent on 16 October 2024, followed by a WhatsApp message requesting urgent payment or a payment plan. An email statement was sent on both 16 July 2024 and 16 October 2024.

I requested proof of this communication, but no response was provided. It was later claimed that a reply was sent on 2 March 2026, yet I only received the Letter of Demand and the above explanation on 11 February 2026. Furthermore, Section 11 of your Default Letter states: “Interest on the outstanding balance is compounded and charged in advance at 2% per month.”

Despite this, I made full payment of R1797.66 on 27 February 2026. When I spoke with Brian, he explained that the issue was that I had not paid within 10 days. However, the Letter of Demand only required communication within 10 days, not payment.

After payment, I received an SMS threatening further collection action and negative credit listing, even though the account was fully settled. To my surprise, I was then asked to pay an additional R354.50 without any explanation or justification.

I want to make it clear that: The full amount of the account has already been paid.

The fact that Brian acknowledged the account was fully settled, yet still suggested I “just pay the R354.50 to sort it out,” is degrading, unprofessional, and borders on ******ion.