DELIBERATELY DEALING IN ****** GOODS

On or about 26 January 2026, my mobile phone was ****** from me and subsequently sold to Cash Converters near Carlton Centre. This is not speculation. The device is known to have been in the possession of, or processed by, this store.

I tracked the phone to the Carlton Centre area using “Find My Phone”, where it was repeatedly powered down. I later received confirmation from the individual who took the phone that it had been sold. Acting on SAPS advice and armed with a valid CAS number, I attended the Cash Converters Carlton Centre branch with overwhelming proof of ownership: the original box, proof of purchase bearing my surname and identifying details, blacklisting confirmation, and both IMEI numbers.

The response from the store manager was appalling.

He refused to conduct even a basic IMEI search on their system. He incorrectly cited POPIA and the Second-Hand Goods Act to justify withholding my property. He insinuated impropriety on my part, despite the fact that the original receipt was emailed to me at purchase and could never have been presented by the seller. He claimed having received a receipt and was openly hostile to the idea of assisting in recovering my property.

This was not ignorance. His conduct showed clear knowledge of the situation and a deliberate attempt to obstruct recovery. He further denied that phones are wiped in-store, despite me witnessing staff instructing a customer to wipe a device earlier that same day.

Cash Converters is a second-hand goods dealer and is legally required to exercise due diligence when confronted with credible evidence that goods are ********ly taken. A CAS number, IMEI details, original packaging, and proof of purchase are not optional suggestions. Refusing to assist under these circumstances raises serious concerns about compliance and possible complicity in dealing in such property.

I have incurred significant costs and disruption trying to recover my own phone, including travel expenses and delays that threaten my studies. All of this is a direct result of the store’s refusal to cooperate.

This review serves as a public record of what occurred, and i will be escalating this to the necessary regulatory bodies.