Mfundeklewa Mkhulisi
Mfundeklewa Mkhulisi
Siphamandla Mdlalose got a shock when he found out why he wasn't getting his disability grant.
Mdlalose, 29, of Braamfischerville, Soweto said: "Last month I went to the social development offices in Roodepoort and they told me my grant was still being paid to me, but I haven't received it for three months."
Mdlalose, who is wheelchair bound, has been receiving a disability grant since 1991.
"I went to my bank and they told me Platinum E was debiting my account for the R940. I don't know the company," he said.
When Sowetan contacted Platinum E on Monday, call centre agent Margaret said Mdlalose had borrowed money from them. Sowetan called the company again yesterday and a recorded message said the call centre was closed.
Platinum E sells airtime, lifestyle-enhancing products and provides cash loans.
Absa spokesman Patrick Wadula said: "Absa Bank stopped doing business with Platinum E last year." He could not explain how the company was able to debit Mdlalose's Absa bank account.
A Department of Trade and Industry official said: "The company is registered but I'm concerned that they don't give enough credentials about their directors."
He advised Mdlalose to approach the consumer regulations division for help.