Randridge mall
Zero responsibility for cellphone vendor damaging my phone

RE: Formal Complaint Against Mobicel Cellphone Repair Kiosk – Randridge Mall

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am lodging a formal complaint regarding unethical, dishonest, and unprofessional conduct by the Mobicel cellphone repair kiosk located within Randridge Mall, as well as the failure of Randridge Mall Management, specifically the landlord (Mr. Naumann Bhutta) to take appropriate action despite my repeated attempts to resolve this matter directly.

Summary of the Incident:

A few months back, I visited the Mobicel kiosk at Randridge Mall to have my iPhone assessed as it was no longer charging. I enquired about the cost and politely asked if there was any possibility of a discount. The attendant’s response was **rude and dismissive**, telling me that I should “appreciate when people are being nice and trying to help.”

Despite the unprofessional tone, I allowed him to proceed with the repair. He repeatedly instructed me to leave my phone (because I didn't want to leave) and return after five minutes. When I came back, the phone was still not ready, and I was told he was waiting for a battery delivery.

When I eventually collected my phone, he assured me that he had installed an original iPhone battery and charged me accordingly. However, once home, my phone displayed a “battery not verified” message — confirming that the part was not genuine — and it still would not charge even after testing with multiple chargers.

Follow-Up and Discovery of Missing Parts:

I returned to the kiosk the following morning to request a refund and was again met with rudeness and dismissive behavior. I was told to come back later in the evening and that a deduction would be made for an eWallet fee, which had never been disclosed during payment.

I sought a second opinion from another cellphone repair technician in the same mall, who opened the phone in front of me and confirmed that several internal components were missing. My phone had never been opened before the Mobicel repair, making it clear that these parts were removed during their handling.

When I confronted the original technician with this information, he admitted that he had “forgotten” to replace the parts — an excuse that I found implausible and unethical. Once he realized that I had verified the issue elsewhere, he immediately refunded me in cash — contradicting his earlier claim that I would have to return later for a refund.

This sequence of events indicates dishonesty, negligence, and intentional misconduct.

Attempts to Resolve the Issue with Randridge Mall Management:

After this distressing experience, I approached Randridge Mall Management to report the incident. Unfortunately, my concerns have been ignored and repeatedly deflected.

I have sent multiple emails and personally visited the centre management office, yet no action has been taken. My complaint has been passed on to the landlord, Mr. Naumann, who has also failed to respond or take any concrete steps to address the matter.
Each time I follow up, I am either told that the landlord will get back to me but nothing ever happens.

This lack of accountability from both the vendor and the mall’s management is unacceptable. Randridge Mall continues to host this kiosk despite being made aware of the unethical practices taking place there, putting other customers — especially the elderly and less tech-savvy — at risk of exploitation.

Ethical and Consumer Rights Concerns:

This case involves clear consumer rights violations under the Consumer Protection Act, including:

False claims regarding product authenticity (battery misrepresentation).
Deceptive conduct and overcharging.
Unethical handling of customer property (missing internal phone parts).
Failure by mall management and the landlord to protect consumers from dishonest tenants.

I was left emotionally distressed, financially inconvenienced, and without a functioning device. The dismissive treatment from both the vendor and the management team has only added to my frustration.

Requested Intervention and Action:

I respectfully request that your company:

1. Investigate the Mobicel kiosk at Randridge Mall for unethical and fraudulent practices.
2. Investigate the negligence of Randridge Mall Management and the landlord, Mr. Naumann, for failing to take corrective action despite repeated reports.
3. Ensure appropriate sanctions or corrective measures are imposed on the vendor.
4. Provide guidance on possible redress for the financial and emotional damages caused.

Supporting Documentation:

I am prepared to provide:

* Proof of payment for the repair.
* Screenshot of the “battery not verified” alert.
* A written statement from the second technician confirming missing parts.
* Copies of all correspondence with Randridge Mall Management and Mr. Naumann.

This entire experience has been deeply distressing, and the lack of accountability from both the vendor and the mall’s management is unacceptable. I am genuinely concerned for other consumers who may unknowingly fall victim to similar unethical conduct.

I trust that your office will review this matter seriously and take appropriate steps to ensure fair redress and protection for consumers.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Yours sincerely,
Evashnee Hettiarachchi- evash.munien@gmail.com -0793346211

Company: Randridge mall
Country: South Africa
Region: gauteng
City: Johannesburg
Postal Code: 1709
Address: johannesburg
Phone: 0793346211
Site: www.randridgemall.co.za

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