MALVERN resident, Darell Van Nieuwenhuizen, who has been doing asphalting for 16 years, has raised his concerns about the bad jobs his fellow asphalters have been doing in the area costing residents thousands to repair.
“At the moment everyone is pressed for cash but also needs work done for example, a driveway or extra parking at home. Unfortunately there are bad elements in our industry, slowly but surely doing below sub-standard work at such unrealistic prices, conning people which, in the long run, has a snowball effect on the customer who must find more money to re-do a badly constructed driveway,” said Van Nieuwenhuizen.
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He appealed to potential clients to do some research or just call the asphalt plant for a reputable company.
A Malvern businessman was recently scammed to the tune of R4 000 after responding to a placard advertisement attached to a pole.
“These placards appear in increasing numbers on light poles in most suburbs and are erected without the authority of the municipality,” said Malvern SAPS communications officer, Warrant Officer Radhika Marimuthu.
According to W/O Marimuthu, in this case, the businessman was quoted a sum of R13 000 to tar his residential premises by a representative from the advertised company. The businessman paid a deposit of R4 000.
“After paying the deposit, the representative did not arrive on the agreed date to begin work. The businessman then called the representative but to no avail,” said W/O Marimuthu.
The matter was then reported to Malvern SAPS and a case of fraud was registered.
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Anyone with information in this regard can call SAPS Malvern detectives on 031 489 9624/489 9629 or Crime Stop on 0860010111.
“The community is to be on their guard and not fall prey to these scammers and avoid entering contracts with businesses advertised in this manner.
“It is wiser to ask for references and speak to former customers.
“Do not give the whole amount up front, rather ask to pay a service provider directly for the material that has to be used,” she added.
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