Unfair Treatment, Partial Refund & ************** – The General Store Pretoria East

On 08 November 2025, I purchased an LED light from The General Store (Pretoria East) for R450. Upon attempted installation later that day, the product malfunctioned—flickering continuously and switching off intermittently. I returned to the store the next morning to request a refund or replacement.

Despite explaining the defect and referencing my rights under the Consumer Protection Act (Sections 55, 56, and 20), the staff refused to assist. They claimed the product was “cut,” dismissed my concerns, and demanded I leave. They then threw all my receipts across the counter and told me to take my money and go. I was short-changed without explanation and explicitly told, “Never come back here again.” Even though I have reported this to their Head Office, they have never come back to me with any explanation or apology.

This was deeply disrespectful and discriminatory. I was denied fair treatment, publicly humiliated, and unjustly banned from the store.

Additionally, I observed that the store employs undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, which may contravene the Immigration Act (Sections 38 and 49). I have reported this matter to the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Home Affairs for investigation.

I urge The General Store’s head office to: - Investigate the conduct of the Pretoria East branch - Refund the outstanding R130 - Issue a formal apology - Ensure compliance with consumer and labour laws