Poor service and product quality at Tekkie Town

I bought a pair of Merrell Hiking shoes form Tekkie Town Carnival Mall (Lettie Nkabulo sold the pair to me), at the cost of R1900.00. I was assured that these shoe are very tough and robust, although I only wore it to work. I didn't run, train or hike in it, only wore it to work.

The shoes started to tear with in 4 months from the time I bought it, I looked for the receipt without luck, and decided to report it to the store within 6 months - which I did. I went to Tekkie Town Carnival and reported and showed them the shoes with the tear in the same spot on either shoe ( it seemed to be a factory default). The staff reassured me that they will replace it, and I just need to find the receipt. I had the original box with the price tag still on it, don't know why that wasn't enough to recall the transaction.

I stopped wearing the shoes by that time, because it really didn't look good anymore with the tear on both shoes, but I still didn't managed to find the original receipt, some time passed and after almost giving up on finding the receipt, I finally did!

With the receipt found, I went back the first opportunity I got. The staff logged it in,. I waited for a response which never came, so I returned a week later only to find the staff member to shrug their shoulders and tell me it's past the six months time frame. I rep**** by stating that I was there before 6 months and explained that the shoes broke down on 4 months already, but the staff and owner, Thomas van den Berg refused to assist me any further.

I find this highly unacceptable, and will not leave this matter until I have been compensated. I am in process of logging this matter with the ombudsman as well and any other avenue I can find available to me.

Key facts: - I paid a lot of money for a high end pair of shoes that is suppose to be used for hiking and couldn't even last for office use alone - Even if it was more than 6 months later, which consumer in South Africa can afford to buy shoes that cost close R2000.00 and have to buy new ones every 6 months? Due to poor manufacturing quality????? - I have many finesses that can verify that the shoes in question broken down within 4 months after the purchase date via affidavits.

Regards Carl - ***