MAMMA Thobeko, a pensioner who said she would die a bitter woman if Hillbank were to close down without refunding her money, is now a happy citizen.
MAMMA Thobeko, a pensioner who said she would die a bitter woman if Hillbank were to close down without refunding her money, is now a happy citizen.
Hillbank gave her a refund of R70850 - thanks to Consumer Line.
A week ago we published an article explaining how Thobeko battled to get either a Toyota Quantum or her money back from Hillbank.
The Limpopo grandmother wanted to own a taxi so that she could augment her income.
Accompanied by her daughter Kesai, Thobeko said she bought a panel van from Hillbank Motor Corporation. It required windows and seats to be fitted to qualify as a taxi.
Before the vehicle was delivered Thobeko was advised by taxi owners that the Quantum would be disqualified from operating even after the improvements.
She immediately notified Hillbank about her concerns and they allowed her to swap the Toyota Quantum panel van for a vehicle she wanted.
Hillbank sells accident-damaged vehicles plus the latest stock of recovered stolen vehicles on behalf of insurance companies.
Thobeko chose another Quantum but instead of it being delivered to her, the vehicle was returned to its previous owner because of insurance claim disagreements.
Thobeko said because of the disagreements Hillbank would not deliver the vehicle to her.
On Hillbank's advice Thobeko said she cancelled her order in September last year and waited for a refund.
She had not heard a word from Hillbank since, she said.
"It is now six months and I have still not been refunded," the grandmother of four said.
Kesai said: "I wanted to ensure that my mother gets this taxi as it would help her to transport our neighbours' children to school and church and so earn money."
She said she had been going to Hillbank offices three times a week in a bid to get her mother's money.
"I also hand-delivered my mother's letter of cancellation. Just the thought of not getting her money back would kill her."
Mark Groenewald, owner of Hillbank, has now agreed to refund Thobeko.
Groenewald sarcastically thanked Consumer Line for publishing a wonderful article about his company and the manner in which he had handled Thobeko's complaint.
Before asking for her bank details he told Consumer Line we were messing up his life
" I don't want this sh*t in my life. I told you they just see a whitey who will give them another vehicle," Groenewald said, changing his previous response.
He then asked for Thobeko's bank details.
"Please send me her bank details. I want to transfer her money once and for all," he said.
A thankful Thobeko has confirmed receipt of her money.
Granny gets refund
MAMMA Thobeko, a pensioner who said she would die a bitter woman if Hillbank were to close down without refunding her money, is now a happy citizen.
MAMMA Thobeko, a pensioner who said she would die a bitter woman if Hillbank were to close down without refunding her money, is now a happy citizen.
Hillbank gave her a refund of R70850 - thanks to Consumer Line.
A week ago we published an article explaining how Thobeko battled to get either a Toyota Quantum or her money back from Hillbank.
The Limpopo grandmother wanted to own a taxi so that she could augment her income.
Accompanied by her daughter Kesai, Thobeko said she bought a panel van from Hillbank Motor Corporation. It required windows and seats to be fitted to qualify as a taxi.
Before the vehicle was delivered Thobeko was advised by taxi owners that the Quantum would be disqualified from operating even after the improvements.
She immediately notified Hillbank about her concerns and they allowed her to swap the Toyota Quantum panel van for a vehicle she wanted.
Hillbank sells accident-damaged vehicles plus the latest stock of recovered stolen vehicles on behalf of insurance companies.
Thobeko chose another Quantum but instead of it being delivered to her, the vehicle was returned to its previous owner because of insurance claim disagreements.
Thobeko said because of the disagreements Hillbank would not deliver the vehicle to her.
On Hillbank's advice Thobeko said she cancelled her order in September last year and waited for a refund.
She had not heard a word from Hillbank since, she said.
"It is now six months and I have still not been refunded," the grandmother of four said.
Kesai said: "I wanted to ensure that my mother gets this taxi as it would help her to transport our neighbours' children to school and church and so earn money."
She said she had been going to Hillbank offices three times a week in a bid to get her mother's money.
"I also hand-delivered my mother's letter of cancellation. Just the thought of not getting her money back would kill her."
Mark Groenewald, owner of Hillbank, has now agreed to refund Thobeko.
Groenewald sarcastically thanked Consumer Line for publishing a wonderful article about his company and the manner in which he had handled Thobeko's complaint.
Before asking for her bank details he told Consumer Line we were messing up his life
" I don't want this sh*t in my life. I told you they just see a whitey who will give them another vehicle," Groenewald said, changing his previous response.
He then asked for Thobeko's bank details.
"Please send me her bank details. I want to transfer her money once and for all," he said.
A thankful Thobeko has confirmed receipt of her money.