ComputerHub SA

UNACCEPTABLE CONSUMER TREATMENT BY COMPUTER HUB

UNACCEPTABLE CONSUMER TREATMENT BY COMPUTER HUB Has anyone else experienced this type of service from Computer Hub? On 29 May 2026, I paid Computer Hub to upgrade my desktop computer. The principal problem I asked them to resolve was that the computer repeatedly froze while I was working online. I also purchased a USB hub, an external hard drive and an external casing. The very next day, 30 May 2026, I informed Computer Hub in writing that although the computer was faster, the freezing problem had not been resolved and the USB hub was not functioning reliably. The problems continued. The external hard drive and casing also did not operate consistently, and the computer later developed a new internal mechanical or fan-related noise. Because this is the computer I use continuously for my work, I asked whether a practical arrangement could be made for an on-site inspection, priority assessment, collection and return, or another reasonable solution. The written response I received was simply that they only provide on-site support to customers with service-level agreements and that I would have to bring the computer in. I then sent a formal email recording the unresolved defects and advising that the matter had been referred to the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud. At approximately 20:02 that evening, the owner, Pierre Bezuidenhout, telephoned me. The call lasted only 17 seconds. During the call, his words to me were, verbatim: “Jy moet ophou om vir my *** e-mails te stuur.” I immediately terminated the call. At 20:05, he then sent me a WhatsApp message demanding that I answer my phone and stating that because I sent him emails after hours, I could answer my phone. Sending an email after hours does not require or expect an immediate after-hours response. Email is asynchronous and can be read and answered during the next working day. Not every consumer works from 08:00 to 17:00. Some of us work until late at night and deal with correspondence when our work allows. A consumer is entitled to record defects, submit a factual written complaint and approach the CGSO without being spoken to in that manner. The CGSO had already acknowledged my complaint earlier that afternoon. I have preserved the emails, the 17-second call record, the WhatsApp message and the CGSO acknowledgement. This post is a factual account of my personal consumer experience and is published in good faith. The telephone call was not recorded; the quoted statement is my direct and contemporaneous account of what was said. All supporting electronic records have been preserved. All rights remain reserved.