Feeding off the poor

This is a difficult message, and it took some time to know even where to start. This seems to be an evil trend taking place in the consumer goods supply and service. The following happened to our long-term housekeeper, Anie, and I got involved as she does not have the technology to reach these platforms. She saved for a while and bought a brand new KIC fridge from the OK Furniture Parow on the first of March 2018. (I must mention at this point that they waited more than an hour after payment was made) Within the first week, the fridge became very noisy. The number on the back of the fridge stating: “Whirlpool Service” was called. A technician was dispatched and after inspecting the unit only reported that he could not find anything specifically wrong with the unit. However, the fridge was quiet when he left, even if it was just for a few weeks and then it started becoming unstable again. This scenario repeated a few times up to the time the warranty expired. At this point, an alternative and known technician was contacted to assist when the fridge stopped cooling. This is when it was discovered that components did not match that of the year and quality of the fridge. The technician explained that a few components and lines have been replaced with old and substandard repaired parts. You can imagine how this discovery affected the people who already have very little. But the worst was still to come. I became involved at this point and made contact with Margret Wilby at OK, Shoprite, Checkers service center, sending all the required documentation. I also give them Anie’s contact number. The service consultants Natasha and then Mr. Shelaimen engaged with Anie. A traumatized old woman phoned me not believing what just happened to her. Of the three technicians that were recorded two were no longer employed and the 3rd could not be traced. Mr. Shelaimen told her said he was sorry but it all but that he will dispatch a technician but at cost, call out: R589, parts R1400, labor R2000. This is beyond, unacceptable!! A conclusion was made without investigation or does happen so often that the service departments already know what needs to be done as R1400 is a real specific number. Be that as it may, the total of the monies to be paid is almost equal to what the fridge cost. I would like to know from the OK, Shoprite, Checkers group if they are aware of this selling of *****ed goods to unsuspecting and trusting clients. I implore you to please give this matter the attention and rightful action it deserves otherwise it all just means that the great deals, goods, services, and trust is superficial and at best, a sign of one of South Africa’s greatest chain stores, failing.