Theft of item/s at wedding party and subsequent withdrawal by owner of offers made by management of D'Aria Wine Farm

On 24 May a wedding party was held at D'Aria Wine Farm. During the event a perpetrator, believed to be part of a group of guests a the Wine Farm stole my wife's cellphone. A handbag was allegedly ****** from another guest as well. We managed to apprehend the perpetrator/s. My wife's cell phone was found on the person of one of the perpetrators. The allegedly ****** handbag was also recovered according to members of the people present. 6 people were apprehended and handed over to SAPS. The party was severely inconvenienced as some of the wedding party members had to wait for SAPS as well as go to the police station. Some of the staff members mentioned that they are very glad that the perpetrators were caught as this type of theft happens at various wine farms. The management was extremely polite and felt a sense of responsibility and stated that they would like to make up for our inconvenience and offer us a 50% discount on the account for the evening. This was in front of witnesses. Subsequently, I was told that they anticipate the amount to be R5000 as the bill is approximately R10 000. The total bill with gratuities came to R16 400. I was made to believe that my bill of R16 400 would be halved due to the offer made. When I got to the payment area, I was told that I had to settle the bill in full and that the company would grant me R5000 in vouchers. I was under the impression that the vouchers would be redeemable immediately as I had no intention of going back to the establishment. I stated clearly at the till to the staff member that this was not what I was made to believe and that I pay under duress as I would not like not embarrass anyone. The very next day I sent an email to Malcolm one of the management team that made the initial 50% discount offer in front of witnesses. Malcom escalated the matter to Ashley Bügler, Group Operations Manager. Eventually, Ashley agreed on 7 July with my views and reasons for not wanting the vouchers but rather a cash refund as I was made to believe on the 24th of May. He even asked for a bank letter to transfer the cash refund. I mentioned that the R5000 was in actual fact less than the 50% offer made on the 24th of May. Ashley then stated on 7 August that Ryan, the owner would call me. This call never happened and I never had the opportunity to explain my point of view. I also tried to have a conversation with the owner by making calls and sending emails that went either unanswered or responded in a tardy fashion. The offer on 7 July was therefore on the table, especially given the fact that I sent my bank letter as requested on the same day, 7 July, I quote Ashley "Hi Len Apologies for not replying to you sooner. I fully understand the frustration in the matter and we thought it might be nicer for a voucher to be issued for a future large meal on us, we thought you were perhaps locals - however, I am happy to rather do the refund as initially discussed as I agree that it is a long trip out from Stellenbosch to Durbanville.Kindly forward me your banking details and I will glady arrange same. (sic)" My request to put my point of view across was met with a promise that Ryan, the owner would call me the same day (7 August) or during that week. Neither happened. On 10 September Ashley, upon instruction of Ryan, the owner, unilaterally withdrew all offers. The reason advanced was that I refused the vouchers. Unfortunately, Ryan, the owner disregarded the written offer for cash on 7 July, quoted above. Ryan also never made the effort to talk to me in person as promised and I quote Ashley as per his email on 7 August "The owner Ryan has said he will get hold of you directly himself, as I am busy in Newlands, he should have done so today or by this week." I leave it to the readers to consider what if any criticism should be leveled at the D'Aria Wine Farm, its owner, or its management.