*****ULENT ACTIVITY, DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER AND HARASSMENT

*****ULENT ACTIVITY, DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER AND HARASSMENT

I would like to advise people to stay away from Astron Newtown Petrol Station. As a Standard Bank Current Account Card Holder, I have earned points amounting to R495.00. I drove to Newtown Astron to enquire how to redeem those points, since the social media advice recommended that it was possible to fill up fuel with those UCount Rewards points. At Newtown Astron, they confirmed that we could use them on the spot. We then went back there after a week or so to fill up petrol as per their advice. To our surprise, they told us that it was not possible and I should get a UCount Rewards Card from Standard Bank. I was furious obviously because they had initially confirmed that they would fill up the tank without that card.

After another week or so, we approached a different Astron Petrol Station on our way back from Eastgate situated in Cyrildene. The petrol Attendant confirmed the same thing that they could use the points on the app without a card. We then gave him our phone to confirm with his superiors. After coming back, he said we could indeed pour petrol without hard cash but those virtual points. Om 18 June 2024, we started at Caltex Petrol Garage c/o Wolmarans and Harrison to enquire. After some time, they tols us they could not redeem them. We then went straight to Standard Bank Branch to register and get a UCount Rewards Card. The process and the service went excellently well until I enquired about my points that were reflecting R1.20 instead of R495.00. The consultant gladly connected me with their Rewards Division telephonically. To my surprise, they discovered that the Astron Petrol Attendant at Cyrildene had converted my UCount Rewards points amounting to R495.00 to Dischem points. They further confirmed that that activity had taken place on 16 June 2024. I was beyond shocked and automatically knew it was ***** since I never consented anyone to conduct such. Around past 15H00 on the same day, after coming from work in Pretoria, we shared the Astron-Dischem story with Total Energies petrol consultant and after consulting with his superiors, he confirmed that indeed they are working with Dischem and we should put petrol without any hard cash. At first we refused to do as he advised, instead we suggested that they redeem points into cash first since we were on a tight budget. He insisted and kept on reiterating that he knew what he was talking about. We then trusted his work since it is his profession. We then drove away to attend to urgent family matters. Later around 17H00 before Dischem Braamfontein closed, we went there to enquire and the Manager (Vuyokazi) on duty gladly assisted saying we should go straight to Total Energies garage to fill up fuel. They would then sort it out between Dischem and Total Energies should any challenges arise. She went further with her own hand-writing gave us her Names and Surname, as well as the office Line. We did as advised but to our surprise after filling up petrol, the transaction could not go through/ points could not be redeemed. Dischem was closed. To make matters worse security and police were called on us; a guy named Sam from Westbury advised everyone including police to call the parents. It was done and there was a lot of damage done to our characters which impacted on our psychological, physical, mental and entire being. My phone was also held at ransom due to that misunderstanding and the carelessness of the *********** and unprofessional petrol attendants (especially (Sam at Total Energies Braamfontein), as well as Dischem staff. We were further insulted, degraded, labeled as ******* and *****sters, cursed and disowned by so-called family members (on my partner’s side) and everyone who cared to listen on my partners’ side. They further said we are a thieving couple who is surviving on *****ulent activities. Today 19 June 2024, we decided to ask for advise in general from Astron: 74 – 80 Marcia Street Bruma, Johannesburg. The service there from Sir Joseph and the other Senior Manager was excellent. They took us through the whole process of their collaboration with Standard Bank and how points are working at their petrol station. As we were about to leave the petrol station, we were called back by Sir Joseph. He attentively listened to our matter and concluded that, that petrol attendant at Cyrildene had conducted a *****ulent activity and that was a worst behaviour to an unsuspecting client. He advised us to come back, and he would ensure that we are properly helped by all parties involved in the matter, especially if the Dischem people refused to assist. We received the worst customer service at Dischem Eastgate where I have been shopping and receiving my prescribed medication for over six years. The Dischem Senior Managers and Supervisors were dismissive, made a mockery of us, ganged up against us and sort of telling us where to get off. They further belittled and harassed us, as well as treating us like illiterates to purchase items at their Dischem store that we are not in need of. As we are sitting now, we are rushing to Total Energies Braamfontein to settle the *****ulent R495 done by Dischem and Astron. Of also importance to note is that even though we started on the wrong foot with the Manager at Total Energies, she ended up empathizing with us and assured us her unwavering support throughout this ordeal. We therefore have condition or terms on which our characters and reputations can be brought to where they were before this unfortunate incident, enough to dent someone’s image internationally and blocking them from obtaining greener pastures or any form of personal/professional development.

Trust is expressed that you find the above in order.