Beware: Harassment and False Levy Claims at The Blyde

Hello everyone,

I am compelled to bring to your urgent attention the prolonged injustice I have endured at the hands of Balwin Properties and former Estate Management Landsdowne, now replaced by Rise Properties, in relation to my property at The Blyde Estate.

Since July 2022, I have been wrongly accused of owing levies which, as my records and proof of payment clearly reflected, were fully settled. Despite repeated attempts on my part to demonstrate this fact, I was met with harassment in the form of successive debt collectors, attorneys, and legal threats. Each collector abandoned the matter once I furnished proof only for another to be appointed, perpetuating a cycle of ************ and distress.

This conduct is not only unjust but ********. Levy accounts are strictly for levies and lawful charges, not for inflated interest, untaxed legal fees, or fabricated arrears. Yet, these amounts were unilaterally added to my levy statements, escalating over time and creating an entirely false debt against me.

Because I believed I had a prima facie case, I was forced to represent myself in legal proceedings. I am not a lawyer and had to obtain ad hoc legal advice at significant cost. Throughout this period, I was denied the ability to operate my property as a BnB, the very purpose for which I purchased it, thereby stripping me of my right to generate income.

The consequences have been devastating:

• Financial harm through unnecessary legal costs, wrongful levy charges, and lost income. • Emotional and mental harm, as this relentless pursuit caused extreme distress, anxiety, and deterioration of my health. • Reputational harm, as I was continuously portrayed as a defaulting owner despite my compliance.

It was only after I formally appointed professional legal counsel, Mr. Mohamed Osman, an Attorney from Maraga Attorneys, that The Blyde Body Corporate finally acknowledged the truth. The alleged debt and its compounded interest were eventually s****ped. However, this concession came far too late. The damage to my finances, my wellbeing, and my trust has already been done.

Despite acknowledging that they incorrectly invoiced me, they refused any compensation for the grief they imposed upon me. One might get the impression Balwin, and their former EM Lansdowne feel they are above the law and are not accountable for wrong doings.

I am writing to alert the public at large regarding these issues and my only advice is to tread cautiously when dealing with Balwin or their appointed EM.

Their actions amount to maladministration and dereliction of fiduciary duty in managing levy accounts, harassment and spoliation by engaging in repeated, baseless legal action, negligence and bad faith, resulting in quantifiable financial and personal damage.