The 12 months of misery that James Mathebula endured at the hands of Helen Osler Doors are not over.

The 12 months of misery that James Mathebula endured at the hands of Helen Osler Doors are not over.

When Mathebula renovated his house last year, he wanted exclusive doors, but little did he know that he would have to engage the media or consumer affairs.

He searched the Internet and found Helen Osler Doors, an internationally renowned woodcarver, based in Brits.

In June last year, Mathebula selected a carved pivoting door and paid R10000 for it. The total cost was R11974 and the balance was payable on delivery.

Mathebula said the company delivered the wrong door.

"It overlapped, was not pivoting or the horse-carved one I wanted," he complained.

"Though they did not install it, they demanded a R780 installation fee, which my wife paid under protest," he said.

In December, thugs broke into their house.

"Since then I have not rested," said Mathebula.

He said it was easy to gain entry through the movable door.

"What is frustrating is that each time you call their offices, they promise to deliver a day later, but they don't."

Last month, the manager, Elize van Straten apologised for the delay and promised to deliver last week. Mathebula is still waiting.

Van Straten has ignored Consumer Line's inquiries.

Sam Tebele, head of the complaints department in Gauteng, said his office would investigate allegations of unfair business practice.