THEFT

I accepted A QUOTATION FROM Petersen’sElectrical Works of R50 870, with the agreement that they would come the next day to do all the work so that the area is safe. I had to pay R40 000 immediately for a deposit, which according to the quotation would be used for materials. R9000 is for labour. With the agreement that Zane would come out the next day, and the urgency of the situation, the tension and stress I experienced to act immediately, I transferred the R40 000 for Zane. The money was paid to: Petersen's Electrical Works, Capitec, Savings, Account number ***, branch code 470010. The proof of payment was sent to *** Zane Petersen, the owner of Petersen's Electrical Works contact number on which I communicated is *** and the business address on the quotation is 4 Kudu Street, Cloetesville, Stellenbosch. The quotation is dated 23 November 2023 with quotation number 1***Q. On the quote it is very clearly indicated "R40 000 deposit on Acceptance NOTE!!!!! Serious electrical danger. Currently happening to address asap".

While I was thinking what to do, because it is a lot of money, Zane sent a message again on November 13 to say that the prices are going up. I was very traumatized with the death of my husband, as well as with the news that the electrical work must all be redone and that our premises and guests are unsafe. This message put more pressure on me as the estate is frozen and I have limited access to finances. I decided to accept the quote for the sake of safety and costs going up.

16 November Zane acknowledged receipt of R40 000 and that the delivery will be on Tuesday.

November 21 lets Zane know that the electrician who has to do the work is sick and can't come, but will be here on Wednesday morning. Wednesday the team was here for 3 hours and when I asked about the baby the man just said he were waiting for cable – nothing about a sick baby. Here I realized that lies were being told and became uncomfortable. It's been 5 days since I paid the deposit, and I'm sitting in fear that the house will burn down. Zane agreed to secure the place immediately and it's now almost a week later. I then realized that I had been *******. Those who were here for 3 hours during the afternoon brought a whole roll of cable that was much longer than necessary, and left with most of the cable. This visit still did not secure the premises in any way. There were exposed wires on the ground that appeared dangerous.

From there, Zane didn't reply to my messages at all. He ignores all my calls and whatsapps. I was incredibly traumatized with this hazard threat and my husband’s death and scared. So I asked my assistant and son to follow up as well. None of them got any response. Zane ignored us all.

Monday November 27th let Zane know he was at a church camp without a signal. He has appointments but the team will be here. No one showed up. After that he announced that someone would come the next day because the setup is SO life-threatening. He then asked if I should send him a list of things that needed to be done. I am not an electrician. I don't know what needs to be done. He quoted for what needed to be done, I paid the money because my rooms' electricity poses a life-threatening hazard.

Finally on November 27th I ask Zane to please refund my money so that I can get another electrician that is available due to the danger of the electrical setup. Zane agreed to repay the money by Friday. Since then, Zane has ignored all calls and attempts to make contact.

Zane has never been back to the farm to look or do any work. He ignores all attempts to communicate. He took R40 000, agreed to return it and just disappeared.

Meanwhile I got two other quotes which came in at R21 000 and R23 000 - rounded off - which is more than 50% cheaper than what Zane quoted.

I feel like Zane cheated, **** and stole from me on purpose. He knew I was traumatized and deliberately filled me with fear that the place was unsafe for people, and that prices were going to go up. I felt under pressure to make a quick decision and trusted him. The fact that he **** to me about the R40 000 for materials, prices going up, how unsafe it is, how urgent the work is and then doesn't show up for weeks, then he ignores me, doesn't give my money back; let me believe and was convinced that Zane stole from me on purpose and led me around the bush. This R40 000 should have been used for materials, which did not happen. Also, the POLICE did NOTHING to this case. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, after a statement and several phone calls and requests.

In the meantime, I also accepted the quote of R21 000 and the electrician was here one whole day to secure the place and sort out the electricity. This R21 000 was quoted of which R3 970 was for materials compared to Zane's R40 000. Zane quoted 90% more than the next electrician for materials.

I have given no right or permission to anyone to ***** from me or to cheat me. I desire further investigation and further prosecution in this matter.