Pensioner conned by ‘mechanic’
Following a recent incident, a pensioner said: 'I want to warn other people, especially pensioners, that there are cruel people out there.'
Ronnie Fick next to his bakkie. Photo: Lucky Thusi.
Crown Gardens pensioner Ronnie Fick (80) still cannot believe his R1 000 is gone after a ‘mechanic’ promised to fix a diff of his bakkie back in November last year.
Ronnie met with the Southern Courier to relate his ordeal. He said he was at Southdale Shopping Centre in November when his bakkie wouldn’t start.
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“While I was busy fiddling with the bakkie, this chap came and offered to help. Desperate, I allowed him to help me,” explained Ronnie.
“He offered to fix it if I can give him R1 500, he said R1 000 for the part of the diff and R500 for his labour. He came to my house, I initially gave him R800 and he returned for the R200. I only knew him as Gavin, he gave me his address and contact numbers. I only found out later that is was his granny’s address in Bellavista and friend’s contact details.”
When Ronnie went to Booysens Police Station to open a case against Gavin, he was advised to go to the Small Claims Court. However, this was a futile exercise, as he didn’t have the correct address or contact details for Gavin.
“I know I will never get back my money back but I want to warn other people, especially pensioners, that there are cruel people out there, be careful,” said Ronnie. “I mean, we get a mere R1 600 pension grant, and this guy took my R1 000 just like that? I am just a pensioner.”
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