GEORGE NEWS - A Mossel Bay businessman who thought he was days away from taking delivery of a brand-new Kia Carnival of over R1m is still without his vehicle - after the funds intended for the purchase were allegedly paid into a Kia George salesperson's personal bank account.
More than two weeks after the transaction was finalised, the family claims they remain without their new vehicle, while Kia George retains their trade-in vehicle valued at about R840 000.
The dealership has since confirmed that it is investigating alleged employee misconduct and has opened a criminal case.
According to the information provided to the newspaper, Kallie Burger and his wife, Allie, visited Kia George on 1 May to enquire about purchasing a Kia Carnival. They were assisted by a salesperson and subsequently decided to proceed with the purchase.
The Burgers signed an offer to purchase on 11 May and paid a R40 000 deposit. Due to the severe storms affecting George at the time, including power and internet outages, much of the communication and banking information was reportedly exchanged via WhatsApp.
Allie's Toyota Quantum was handed over to the dealership as a trade-in on 14 May, along with its registration documents.
The trade-in value left an outstanding balance of R139 825, payable before delivery.
The new vehicle reportedly arrived at the dealership on 15 May, and the collection was scheduled for 22 May. Before collection, Kallie allegedly paid the outstanding balance into the same account details previously provided, and submitted his proof of payment.
The family claims that when they went to collect the vehicle on 22 May, all delivery documentation was completed, but they were then informed that a tow bar still needed to be fitted. Later that afternoon, the salesperson allegedly informed Kallie that a technical problem had occurred during the fitting process, and that the vehicle could not be delivered.
A screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation with the salesperson providing some banking details under the Motus Select George account name, with what appears to be her personal bank account details. Screenshot: Supplied
Concerned by the delay, Kallie requested that another vehicle be allocated to them. However, on 25 May, he was allegedly informed by dealership representative Garth van Tonder that the vehicle had not been booked for a tow bar fitting and was still on the showroom floor.
It subsequently emerged that the banking details supplied to Kallie allegedly belonged to the salesperson personally and not to the dealership.
In response to George Herald's media enquiries, Kia George confirmed that it had become aware of alleged employee misconduct on 25 May. "Immediate action was taken upon discovery of the matter, including the launch of an internal investigation and the reporting of the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS)," the dealership said.
It added that its customers should verify banking details and ensure payments are made only to authorised dealership accounts.
Kia George said it understands the matter is stressful, and that it has remained in contact with the affected customer. The dealership said no further details could be disclosed while the police investigation is under way.
Kallie said although he appreciates the loan vehicle made available to his family, they remain without the Kia Carnival they had purchased.
He said they had handed over their trade-in vehicle in good faith and expected to drive home in their new vehicle on 22 May. Instead, they remain dependent on the loan vehicle while the matter is being investigated.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie was approached for confirmation regarding the matter. However, no response had been received by the time of going to press.
Kia Carnival: Photo for illustration purposes
Earlier this week, the attorneys acting for the Burger family demanded delivery of the vehicle within three days. In a letter dated
1 June, Barnard Patel Inc advised that failing delivery, their client may seek cancellation of the agreement and restitution, including the return of the trade-in vehicle and repayment of all monies that had been paid.
However, yesterday (3 June), they indicated that their client intends to cancel the purchase agreement today and return the courtesy vehicle should the matter remain unresolved.
At the time of going to press, Kia George had not indicated whether it intended to supply the Kia Carnival originally purchased, refund the paid monies or return the trade-in vehicle.
In a latest development, George Herald was informed that Burger has since been contacted by Kia Legal, whereupon both parties agreed to bear 50% of the loss arising from the misappropriated funds. Furthermore, Mr Burger is scheduled to take delivery of his vehicle on 5 June 2026.
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