Active since Sep 2025
Vodacom Added a Line Without My Consent, Ignored Repeated Complaints for 6 Months, Then Hard-Barred All My Numbers After Payment
I rarely write reviews, but after months of pure frustration, I feel compelled to share what has been the most disappointing retail and customer service experience I’ve had in years. This review concerns both Bash Online and their so-called brand partner Hi Stores, particularly the Hi Store in Highveld Mall, Witbank. 1. The Start of the Nightmare I initially wanted to purchase a Nintendo Switch Lite in-store from Hi Stores at Highveld Mall. To my surprise, I was told by a store consultant that they no longer stock the console. When I asked whether they could order one from another branch, I was bluntly told, “No, you have to buy it online.” It already felt like a lazy redirection, no effort, no initiative, and no willingness to even check with other stores. But I followed their instructions and ordered the console from Bash Online. 2. A Faulty Product Right Out the Box The console arrived late, and when I finally received it, it wouldn’t turn on straight out of the box. That alone raised red flags because lithium-ion batteries degrade when left discharged too long, and it’s a well-known issue. After charging it for a while, it came on, but the battery barely lasted an hour. Then, not long after, the power button completely stopped working. In short, a defective product was sent to me. 3. Bash’s “Instant In-Store Replacement” Is a Lie When I contacted Bash, they reassured me that I could immediately replace the faulty console in-store at any Hi branch, part of their so-called instant in-store replacement policy. Except… that was a total lie. When I went to the Hi Store in Highveld Mall, they refused to even inspect the console. I was told I’d have to send it away for 21 days for inspection before they would credit my account, not replace the item, meaning I’d have to start over, re-purchase, and wait for another delayed delivery. Absolutely absurd. 4. Weeks of False Promises and Empty Updates After escalating the matter, Bash head office confirmed I should receive an immediate in-store replacement. They apologised for the confusion and promised the matter would be sorted. For the next four weeks, I was strung along with constant “updates” and assurances that the console would be replaced once the replacement stock arrived. 5. The Final Insult, Public Humiliation by Staff When I was finally informed that the replacement had arrived, I went back to the store, only to be met by Sharlene and another staff member who were laughing and chatting socially behind the counter. When I approached them, they acted as though I was interrupting their day. Instead of assisting me, they snapped at me, raised their voices, and told me outright that I would not receive a replacement. Their “solution”? Return the console, wait for a credit, and then buy it again, effectively starting this entire painful process from scratch. This was done in front of other customers. I was humiliated and treated like an inconvenience rather than a paying customer simply following the instructions that Bash themselves had confirmed. 6. Repeated Pattern of Used or Damaged Stock This isn’t even the first time I’ve had issues with this store. I previously purchased a MagSafe power bank from Hi Stores at Highveld Mall that was visibly used, complete with oily black fingerprints on the casing. When I questioned this, the staff denied it had ever been used. I returned it immediately. Clearly, this company has no quality control and may very well be reselling returned or used products as new. 7. Zero Accountability and False Advertising Both Bash and Hi Stores have demonstrated: • Gross violation of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) by supplying defective goods and refusing to honour the replacement terms. • False advertising through an “instant replacement” policy that doesn’t exist in practice. • Utter lack of professionalism and training, with staff (especially Sharlene and her colleague) behaving rudely, condescendingly, and without any sense of customer service. 8. The Bottom Line I’ve been patient. I’ve followed every process. I’ve given both Bash and Hi Stores every opportunity to make things right. Instead, I’ve been met with: • Weeks of delays, • Contradictory promises, • Faulty products, • Rude staff, and • Absolute disregard for basic consumer rights. At this point, I’m convinced Bash and Hi Stores have no respect for their customers, just excuses and deflection. 9. Final Verdict Avoid them entirely. They sell defective or possibly used electronics, lie about their policies, and treat customers with zero dignity. If you value your money, time, or sanity, stay far away from Bash Online and Hi Stores.
I rarely write reviews, but after months of pure frustration, I feel compelled to share what has been the most disappointing retail and customer service experience I’ve had in years. This review concerns both Bash Online and their so-called brand partner Hi Stores, particularly the Hi Store in Highveld Mall, Witbank. 1. The Start of the Nightmare I initially wanted to purchase a Nintendo Switch Lite in-store from Hi Stores at Highveld Mall. To my surprise, I was told by a store consultant that they no longer stock the console. When I asked whether they could order one from another branch, I was bluntly told, “No, you have to buy it online.” It already felt like a lazy redirection, no effort, no initiative, and no willingness to even check with other stores. But I followed their instructions and ordered the console from Bash Online. 2. A Faulty Product Right Out the Box The console arrived late, and when I finally received it, it wouldn’t turn on straight out of the box. That alone raised red flags because lithium-ion batteries degrade when left discharged too long, and it’s a well-known issue. After charging it for a while, it came on, but the battery barely lasted an hour. Then, not long after, the power button completely stopped working. In short, a defective product was sent to me. 3. Bash’s “Instant In-Store Replacement” Is a Lie When I contacted Bash, they reassured me that I could immediately replace the faulty console in-store at any Hi branch, part of their so-called instant in-store replacement policy. Except… that was a total lie. When I went to the Hi Store in Highveld Mall, they refused to even inspect the console. I was told I’d have to send it away for 21 days for inspection before they would credit my account, not replace the item, meaning I’d have to start over, re-purchase, and wait for another delayed delivery. Absolutely absurd. 4. Weeks of False Promises and Empty Updates After escalating the matter, Bash head office confirmed I should receive an immediate in-store replacement. They apologised for the confusion and promised the matter would be sorted. For the next four weeks, I was strung along with constant “updates” and assurances that the console would be replaced once the replacement stock arrived. 5. The Final Insult, Public Humiliation by Staff When I was finally informed that the replacement had arrived, I went back to the store, only to be met by Sharlene and another staff member who were laughing and chatting socially behind the counter. When I approached them, they acted as though I was interrupting their day. Instead of assisting me, they snapped at me, raised their voices, and told me outright that I would not receive a replacement. Their “solution”? Return the console, wait for a credit, and then buy it again, effectively starting this entire painful process from scratch. This was done in front of other customers. I was humiliated and treated like an inconvenience rather than a paying customer simply following the instructions that Bash themselves had confirmed. 6. Repeated Pattern of Used or Damaged Stock This isn’t even the first time I’ve had issues with this store. I previously purchased a MagSafe power bank from Hi Stores at Highveld Mall that was visibly used, complete with oily black fingerprints on the casing. When I questioned this, the staff denied it had ever been used. I returned it immediately. Clearly, this company has no quality control and may very well be reselling returned or used products as new. 7. Zero Accountability and False Advertising Both Bash and Hi Stores have demonstrated: • Gross violation of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) by supplying defective goods and refusing to honour the replacement terms. • False advertising through an “instant replacement” policy that doesn’t exist in practice. • Utter lack of professionalism and training, with staff (especially Sharlene and her colleague) behaving rudely, condescendingly, and without any sense of customer service. 8. The Bottom Line I’ve been patient. I’ve followed every process. I’ve given both Bash and Hi Stores every opportunity to make things right. Instead, I’ve been met with: • Weeks of delays, • Contradictory promises, • Faulty products, • Rude staff, and • Absolute disregard for basic consumer rights. At this point, I’m convinced Bash and Hi Stores have no respect for their customers, just excuses and deflection. 9. Final Verdict Avoid them entirely. They sell defective or possibly used electronics, lie about their policies, and treat customers with zero dignity. If you value your money, time, or sanity, stay far away from Bash Online and Hi Stores.
I am extremely concerned by the conduct at the Game store in Witbank, which in my view points to ******** behaviour. After raising a complaint about unexplained double charges and missing funds, I was initially assured by Game head office that the matter would be investigated thoroughly. However, when the store manager contacted me, instead of addressing the double charges, she attempted to deflect the issue by sending me footage of myself making legitimate purchases that I can fully account for. The facts are very clear: • I made two purchases on a Friday, yet five separate transactions were recorded against my account. • When adding up the purchases made, the totals do not match the actual amount deducted. • I specifically requested that the duplicate charges be investigated. Instead, I was told the manager was “on leave” and would look into it later. • Upon following up, I was told, in an unprofessional and evasive manner, that I was now being blocked. This happened directly after I raised the possibility that she herself might be implicated in the missing funds. Being blocked by the store manager after raising a legitimate financial concern is unacceptable, unprofessional, and, at worst, indicative of guilt. This behaviour not only obstructs any chance of resolution but also raises very serious red flags about accountability and transparency at this branch. I have notified the National Consumer Commission (NCC) of this matter, and I will not leave it here. The fact that my card was unilaterally reopened, the investigation was closed without my consent, and I was simply told the missing funds were my own spending, is unacceptable. This review is the first step in the legal process to ensure this matter is properly investigated. Consumers have a right to honesty, transparency, and accountability, all of which have been ignored here.
Review of Game Stores – Highveld Mall, Witbank This store is unsafe for customers. I made two legitimate purchases on my Game card. Later, when I returned to buy accessories, I discovered that my card limit had already been exceeded — even though my card never left my hands except when processed by a Game cashier. It turns out an employee used my details to make five *****ulent purchases on my account. Even more alarming, I did not receive the usual SMS alerts for these transactions, only for my last legitimate purchase. When I reported it, the staff acted as though this was routine. Instead of taking responsibility, they asked me to provide samples of my signature without a clear explanation. This is highly suspicious — it feels like an attempt to shift blame onto me or cover up internal *****. I have no faith in their so-called “internal investigation,” which already looks like a cover-up. I have escalated the matter to my lawyer and to the National Consumer Commission. Stay away from this store. The employees are exploiting customer information, and management is doing nothing to stop it.
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