BY LERATO PHOSISI
A routine R40 grocery purchase at a store in the Save complex in Lenasia South on Friday has left an 65 years elderly shopper distressed and a community demanding answers, after her bank statement allegedly reflected multiple deductions including one processed at 3am.
The pensioner, who requested anonymity fearing intimidation, said she tapped her card only once for her items. When she later checked her official bank statement, she discovered over three debits linked to the same store visit.
According to the statement, one of the transactions was processed at 3am, hours after the shop had closed. The shop was confronted by Zini Advertising on Monday, 31 August 2026.
The matter drew the attention of community activist Shaun De Sai, who accompanied the woman to the store to seek clarity.
De Sai said it was crucial to intervene early to prevent escalation and to protect vulnerable residents. He noted that elderly customers should not be exploited while supporting local businesses and described the pattern as concerning. He appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid intimidation, and allow banking and law enforcement authorities to handle the matter through proper channels.
Investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made.
Shop owner Fadl Ebrahim has denied any intentional wrongdoing and described the incident as a misunderstanding.
Addressing the alleged multiple deductions, Ebrahim said he only tapped the card once and was unaware of how additional charges were generated, adding that he did not charge the customer four times.
On the question of whether the card machine malfunctioned, Ebrahim offered an apology and said the device displayed a single successful payment with no visible error or double tap on the day. He expressed regret for the distress caused to the elderly customer.
Ebrahim further confirmed he is willing to cooperate fully with both the bank and the police, stating he has nothing to hide and has already refunded the pensioner in full in an effort to resolve the matter amicably.
Banking experts have warned that tap-to-pay related complaints are increasing, whether linked to technical errors or misuse, and have urged consumers to monitor their statements closely.
Residents who suspect similar incidents are advised to contact their banks immediately, consider blocking affected cards, and report the matter at their nearest police station.
