SM
Sifiso M

1 reviews | Active since Jun 2018

05 Jan 2026, 09:38

Misrepresentation, Commission Abuse & Unauthorised Salary Deductions by Assupol Agent

On 28 October 2025, I was approached by an Assupol representative, Rhoda Sithole, who introduced herself as “Natasha”. I was misled and coerced into taking out multiple Assupol insurance policies under false pretences. I was informed that the purpose of opening these policies was for the agent to receive upfront/advance commission from Assupol. I was assured that the policies would not affect my salary and that they could be cancelled once the agent had received payment.

On 17 November 2025, I personally visited the Assupol offices at Wonderpark Mall, Pretoria, where I cancelled all the policies with the assistance of an Assupol consultant. Despite this cancellation, unauthorised deductions totalling approximately R2000 were made from my December 2025 salary, causing severe financial hardship during the festive period. When I raised this with the agent, she acknowledged the issue and promised to refund me personally while Assupol processed the refund. This promise was not honoured, despite confirmation that she had already been paid. This experience has caused financial distress and has highlighted serious concerns regarding misrepresentation, abuse of upfront commission, and lack of proper safeguards to protect consumers.

I have also been trying to get in touch with Assupol since Friday last week but no one is attending to me. Rhoda Sithole has also shown great arrogance in this matter.

I am requesting: 1.Immediate refund of the full deducted amount, 2. Written confirmation that all policies are cancelled with no further deductions.

I trust Assupol will address this matter urgently and restore my confidence as a consumer.

0
Replies (19)
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply05 Jan 2026, 09:50
Official
Good day Sifiso, we have received your review. Our sincerest apology for any inconvenience caused. Our feedback will be sent to your direct email, following the investigation into this matter. Regards, Assupol Complaints Manager 

SM
Sifiso M's update07 Jan 2026, 09:49
Reviewer Update
Good morning

I received my refund yesterday for three policies out of four. I need some clarity as to why policy IM***4 has not yet been refunded as I cancelled all four.
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply07 Jan 2026, 10:36
Official
Good day, thank you for the response. We will send feedback on this to your direct e-mail.
SM
Sifiso M's update07 Jan 2026, 10:58
Reviewer Update
I haven't received any email. I would like some feedback on the above policy. I haven't received a refund for it. Can I have a reason for that, it's that simple. When you guys made deductions on my salary, you deducted once, so why am I now being refunded bits by bits?
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply07 Jan 2026, 11:03
Official
The additional refund on policy IM***4 is in process, our apology for the inconvenience. It should be paid before the end of the week.
SM
Sifiso M's update07 Jan 2026, 11:04
Reviewer Update
What's the reason it was processed separately?
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply07 Jan 2026, 11:21
Official
The refunds are processed individually on each policy by different persons in our administration department and not by one person only. We have informed them of the urgency to finalise this last refund payment.
SM
Sifiso M's update15 Jan 2026, 11:36
Reviewer Update
I just got this message from Assupol

"Dear Mngadi. Your complaint (noC***) has been resolved. Thank you for your patience. For assistance contact *** or ***. Assupol"

How was this complaint resolved? What happened to the agent that misled me? I need details as to how this complaint was solved as opposed to just sending me a message saying the complaint has been resolved. Lastly, I hear that there is a possible deduction on my salary again this month which will be refunded in February. I just want to say that I intend on contacting the Ombudsman and seek further legal action against Assupol should there be deductions on my salary this month. I cancelled all these policies on the 12th of November 2025 so we can't still be dealing with this issue in the new year. What steps did you take against the agent that misled me? Did you also confirm if the said agent is a manager at Assupol as she's parading as one??
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply15 Jan 2026, 11:44
Official
We will provide feedback to your direct email
SM
Sifiso M's update15 Jan 2026, 11:50
Reviewer Update
As you always say and that never happens.
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply15 Jan 2026, 11:52
Official
Please refer to our e-mails un the subject line - Complaint #*** C*** on Hello Peter - S Mngadi - IM***0, IM***5, IM***0, IM***4. Our response to your latest enquiry will be sent as soon as possible.
SM
Sifiso M's update15 Jan 2026, 11:56
Reviewer Update
That specific text was sent long time ago. My argument here is the latest message I just received informing me that my complaint has ben RESOLVED. Now my question is, how was it resolved? You can't just say my complain has been resolved but are failing to provide me with steps as to how it was resolved.
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply15 Jan 2026, 11:58
Official
We will provide more information before close of business tomorrow. The email sent to confirmed the cancellation of the policies and refund. 
SM
Sifiso M's update15 Jan 2026, 12:00
Reviewer Update
I see, should I not get feedback from you guys before close of business tomorrow, I'm coming back here.
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply15 Jan 2026, 12:01
Official
Noted
SM
Sifiso M's update19 Jan 2026, 09:37
Reviewer Update
I am extremely dissatisfied with how Assupol has handled my complaint.

Despite cancelling all policies in November 2025 and submitting a formal written escalation, Assupol has again deducted money from my salary this month. This means I am suffering ongoing financial prejudice due to Assupol’s internal failures. What makes this even more unacceptable is Assupol’s response to my enquiry regarding action taken against the agent. I was informed as follows:

“We refer to your complaint and to prevent re-occurrence of the poor conduct experience you received from the agent, please accept our apologies and reassurance that the matter has been addressed with the individual involved and corrective measures will be implemented such as coaching for the agent and reinforcement of guidance.”

This response is shocking. An agent who misrepresented policies, abused upfront commission, and caused unauthorised deductions from my salary is merely being “coached”, while I continue to suffer financially including during December and now again this month. Assupol has:
1.Acknowledged agent misconduct,
2. Failed to stop ongoing deductions,
3. Failed to protect me as a consumer, and
4. Failed to provide meaningful consequences for ********* behaviour. I find it unacceptable that the agent continues to earn a normal income while I am financially strained as a direct result of this misconduct. I am therefore formally advising that I will be escalating this matter to the FAIS Ombud and will be requesting:

1. Immediate reimbur*****t of all unauthorised deductions,
2. Written confirmation that deductions have permanently ceased, and
3. Regulatory action against the agent, including blacklisting from the financial services sector.

Consumers deserve protection — not apologies while the harm continues.
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply20 Jan 2026, 17:33
Official
We note your response and will add this to the ongoing complaint reference number C*** 
SM
Sifiso M's update02 Feb 2026, 09:47
Reviewer Update
Hi. It's the 2nd day of the new month. What is the status of my January refund? I have bills to pay.
Sanlam
Sanlam's reply02 Feb 2026, 12:36
Official
Thank you for your review. We are looking into this and provide feedback to your direct email.