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IOL News
an hour ago
- Business
- IOL News
Couple sues Pam Golding Properties over "undisclosed" structural defects
A couple has hauled Pam Golding Properties to court, seeking more than half a million rand in damages over structural defects to a property they purchased nearly 10 years ago. Image: File A SOMERSET couple has hauled Pam Golding Properties to court, seeking more than half a million rand in damages over structural defects to a property they purchased nearly 10 years ago. The amount includes R604 000 to fix undisclosed damages they found and R19 700 for storage of their furniture while remedial work was done, as well as finding alternative accommodation for a year. They alleged that during the viewing of the house, the estate agent reassured them that the cracks in the walls of the house were regular hairline settlement cracks which were normal for properties of that age. The prospective owners added that she told them: 'This house has stood for 27 years and is going nowhere.' The house was sold to Antoné van Heerden and Schalk Pienaar in October 2017 for R1.6 million. The plaintiffs' attorney, Trudie Broekmann, a specialist consumer attorney based in Cape Town said: 'After taking occupation, the couple, after enlisting the services of a structural engineer, detected severe structural defects in the house. One of the main concerns was that several interior walls were hanging in the air, not attached to the floor. The structural engineer, Albert Coetzee, stated in his report that this was due to a problem with the compaction of the foundation." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading According to Broekmann attorneys, when viewing the house, not much could be seen of it, since it was covered in clutter and had been fitted with wall-to-wall carpeting. They say the couple consequently asked the seller, who was present at the viewing, whether there were any defects but he also confirmed that a stoop which had come loose from the façade and a fresh coat of paint were the only issues. The couple took occupation before the transfer went through. 'The seller was terminally ill by then and his sister, Leigh Cowens, the first defendant in the case, reacted quite strongly to prevent the couple from removing the carpet. She said there was nothing wrong with the carpets, despite their age of approximately 20 years. The couple were then prevented by the seller's conveyancer, from lifting the carpets prior to transfer. 'Once the property had been transferred, the carpet was pulled up and the couple were shocked to find deep cracks through the floor slab. The gaping hole underneath the wall between the kitchen and the dining room was also revealed. They subsequently discovered that the floor was not level and that the floor slab which was required to be 200mm thick was as thin as 80mm in places. 'The foundations of the property and garage sagged. The foundations stopped short of the full external size of the house and part of the foundation protruded above the ground,' the couple's lawyers said. Pam Golding Properties maintained that the claim was without merit and that any defects were disclosed. 'The Property, situated in the Heldervue, Somerset West area, was bought in 2017 for R1.6 million. The stand extent is 1000sqm. The advertisement published by Pam Golding Properties clearly showed that the dwelling itself presented serious defects and required remedial work. The selling price, however, was less than that of a vacant stand in the area at the time, and the purchasers were informed that they were actually buying the potential of developing the well-positioned large stand with exceptional views. 'Mr Veldsman, an experienced sworn valuator of Urban IQ Consultants, filed a report for the court's benefit, after having compared the transaction with various other transactions in the area at the time. Veldsman said that the value of the property, if it was to be sold as a vacant stand, was similar to what other vacant stands sold for at the time,' said Pam Golding Properties. 'All defects known to Pam Golding Properties were visible and easily recognisable to interested parties. Pam Golding Properties marketed the property as a development opportunity and disclosed all visible defects to the claimants. The purchase price reflected the need for substantial remedial works, which the claimants were aware of and accepted.' The case is expected to continue in the Western Cape High court until Thursday. Cape Times
TimesLIVE
an hour ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Armoured Mobility now offers bank financing for armoured vehicles in SA
Armoured Mobility has introduced bank financing options to make armoured vehicles more accessible to a wider market in South Africa. Previously, a full upfront cash payment was needed to bulletproof a car, a financial commitment that was out of reach for many. Armoured Mobility, a division of the DigiCars Group, has partnered with unnamed financial institutions to introduce a more flexible financing model. 'Our goal is to make high-level personal protection more attainable for individuals and families,' says Nabeel Khan of Armoured Mobility. 'By introducing these finance options, we are enabling more South Africans to invest in their safety without the burden of a full upfront capital outlay, thereby preserving their financial resources.' Khan cited the example of a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max with B4 armour that provides protection against handguns, South Africa's most accessible armoured SUV, starting at R1,299,900. With a R300,000 deposit, Khan says the monthly instalment at the 10.75% prime interest rate over 72 months is R19,000, with no balloon or residual payment. 'This development extends peace of mind beyond the home and outside your gates, ensuring protection during daily commutes and activities, such as the morning school run,' he said.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Millions of Assumptions': Wins SARS Fraud Case, Casts Doubt on Blue Lights Trial
Sifiso Mahlangu | Published 3 hours ago The State's long-standing corruption case against businessman Vimpie Phineas Manthata suffered a major blow this week when the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court acquitted him and his co-accused in a R19 million tax fraud case that had formed a central pillar of the broader 'blue lights' procurement scandal. The verdict, delivered by Magistrate Phindi Keswa, saw Manthata, his company Instrumentation for Traffic Law Enforcement (ITLE), and bookkeeper Judy Rose cleared of all charges related to alleged violations of the Tax Administration Act during the 2018 and 2019 tax years. Legal experts say the State's inability to prove its SARS case beyond a reasonable doubt will now put additional pressure on the corruption trial, which has already faced years of delays, procedural blunders, and accusations of political motivation. 'The prosecution could not distinguish between clerical mistakes and criminal conduct,' Magistrate Keswa ruled. 'Assumptions and administrative discrepancies cannot be used to build a case without clear evidence of intent.' The SARS prosecution had alleged that Manthata's company manipulated its tax returns to avoid paying nearly R19 million in VAT and other obligations. But defence attorney Pierre du Toit successfully argued that there was no evidence of fraud, deception, or intent to mislead SARS. 'This case is not about millions of rands, it is about millions of assumptions,' Du Toit told the court during closing arguments. 'The burden is on the State to prove guilt, and it has failed to do so in spectacular fashion.' He cited landmark cases including *State versus Prinsloo* and *State versus Futche*, which require a demonstration of clear intent to commit fraud — a standard the court agreed had not been met. SARS officials admitted under cross-examination that they had no direct proof of falsified entries, and Rose testified that all bookkeeping was done using standard software and practices. The collapse of the tax case undermines the State's broader narrative in the so-called blue lights corruption case, in which Manthata, former acting national police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane, and ten others face charges linked to the irregular procurement of emergency police equipment worth R191 million. The State had portrayed ITLE as a central vehicle for corrupt payments, with the SARS case meant to illustrate how the company allegedly misrepresented its financial affairs. Now, with the tax fraud allegations discredited, the entire corruption case may be on shaky ground. Last week, the same court postponed the blue lights trial yet again — this time to October 2025 — after severe criticism of the State's inability to produce a coherent charge sheet more than seven years after the case was first opened. Magistrate Ashika Ramalal lambasted the prosecution's handling of the case, saying the delays and repeated administrative errors were unacceptable. Still, she ruled that the trial would go ahead next year, warning that no further postponements would be tolerated. Defence attorneys argued that their clients had suffered severe prejudice and that the continued delays were violating their right to a fair and timely trial. Accused number 9 was even left without legal representation at one point, prompting the State to suggest separating the charges — a proposal strongly opposed by the defence. The situation has been further complicated by the State's repeated failure to serve Phahlane properly and controversy over the dropping and reinstatement of charges against Manthata, a move legal observers say sets a dangerous precedent. But with one major case already dismissed and serious doubts now hanging over the remaining charges, many are questioning whether the blue lights corruption trial will ever result in a conviction, or if it is yet another politically entangled case destined to collapse under the weight of its mismanagement.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
‘Millions of Assumptions': Wins SARS Fraud Case, Casts Doubt on Blue Lights Trial
Defence attorney Pierre du Toit successfully argued that there was no evidence of fraud, deception, or intent to mislead SARS Image: Supplied The State's long-standing corruption case against businessman Vimpie Phineas Manthata suffered a major blow this week when the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court acquitted him and his co-accused in a R19 million tax fraud case that had formed a central pillar of the broader 'blue lights' procurement scandal. The verdict, delivered by Magistrate Phindi Keswa, saw Manthata, his company Instrumentation for Traffic Law Enforcement (ITLE), and bookkeeper Judy Rose cleared of all charges related to alleged violations of the Tax Administration Act during the 2018 and 2019 tax years. Legal experts say the State's inability to prove its SARS case beyond a reasonable doubt will now put additional pressure on the corruption trial, which has already faced years of delays, procedural blunders, and accusations of political motivation. 'The prosecution could not distinguish between clerical mistakes and criminal conduct,' Magistrate Keswa ruled. 'Assumptions and administrative discrepancies cannot be used to build a case without clear evidence of intent.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ SARS Case Unravels The SARS prosecution had alleged that Manthata's company manipulated its tax returns to avoid paying nearly R19 million in VAT and other obligations. But defence attorney Pierre du Toit successfully argued that there was no evidence of fraud, deception, or intent to mislead SARS.'This case is not about millions of rands, it is about millions of assumptions,' Du Toit told the court during closing arguments. 'The burden is on the State to prove guilt, and it has failed to do so in spectacular fashion.' He cited landmark cases including *State versus Prinsloo* and *State versus Futche*, which require a demonstration of clear intent to commit fraud — a standard the court agreed had not been officials admitted under cross-examination that they had no direct proof of falsified entries, and Rose testified that all bookkeeping was done using standard software and practices. Implications for the Blue Lights Trial The collapse of the tax case undermines the State's broader narrative in the so-called blue lights corruption case, in which Manthata, former acting national police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane, and ten others face charges linked to the irregular procurement of emergency police equipment worth R191 million. The State had portrayed ITLE as a central vehicle for corrupt payments, with the SARS case meant to illustrate how the company allegedly misrepresented its financial affairs. Now, with the tax fraud allegations discredited, the entire corruption case may be on shaky ground. Last week, the same court postponed the blue lights trial yet again — this time to October 2025 — after severe criticism of the State's inability to produce a coherent charge sheet more than seven years after the case was first opened. Growing Criticism of the Prosecution Magistrate Ashika Ramalal lambasted the prosecution's handling of the case, saying the delays and repeated administrative errors were unacceptable. Still, she ruled that the trial would go ahead next year, warning that no further postponements would be tolerated. Defence attorneys argued that their clients had suffered severe prejudice and that the continued delays were violating their right to a fair and timely trial. Accused number 9 was even left without legal representation at one point, prompting the State to suggest separating the charges — a proposal strongly opposed by the defence. The situation has been further complicated by the State's repeated failure to serve Phahlane properly and controversy over the dropping and reinstatement of charges against Manthata, a move legal observers say sets a dangerous precedent. But with one major case already dismissed and serious doubts now hanging over the remaining charges, many are questioning whether the blue lights corruption trial will ever result in a conviction, or if it is yet another politically entangled case destined to collapse under the weight of its mismanagement.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Counterfeit Breitling, Springboks and Sundowns: massive confiscation by police
Police seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million. Springboks jersey and caps were among the items seized by police. Picture: Saps. Breitling watches, Springboks jerseys and caps and Mamelodi Sundowns tops were among the counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million seized by police during nationwide operations in recent weeks. The operations were led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods unit, with support from Public Order Policing (POP), the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs and Enforcement team, counterfeit depot officials, brand protectors, and private security personnel. Seizure Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said in the past three weeks, the integrated team executed search-and-seizure warrants targeting shops in Marabastad, Mokopane, Mbombela, Bela Bela, Mookghopong, and Modimolle. 'During these takedowns, the team seized more than 23 000 items imitating high-end designer brands that include clothing, shoes, bags, caps, and watches, as well as counterfeit jewellery, sunglasses, perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. 'Also amongst the seized items are sports apparel that bears the Springboks trademark and other well-known brands. These counterfeit items were seized outside Mbombela stadium and Loftus stadium respectively during recent Springbok rugby games against visiting countries,' van Wyks said. Breitling watches, Springboks jerseys and caps and Mamelodi Sundowns tops were among the counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million seized by police during nationwide operations in recent weeks. Pictures: Saps @TheCitizen_News July 27, 2025 ALSO READ: Police seize fake Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Rolexes in Bloemfontein Counterfeit goods Van Wyk the team also confiscated illicit cigarettes valued at over R50 000. 'The Counterfeit Goods Act aims to combat the trade in counterfeit goods by protecting trademarks, copyrights, and certain mark owners from the unlawful use of their intellectual property on goods and preventing such counterfeit goods from entering the market. 'Saps remains committed to eradicating the illegal trade in counterfeit goods in an effort to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and ensure the integrity of South Africa's economy,' van Wyk said. Rolexes Last month, police seized fake products, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, high-end sneakers and Rolexes valued at more than R19 million. Six foreign nationals were also arrested during separate takedown operations in Bloemfontein. Van Wyk said search and seizure warrants were executed in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act at targeted shops in the Bloemfontein CBD. ALSO READ: Report reveals 1 in 5 alcoholic drinks are fake: Here's how to spot them
