Who stole the booze?
A Knysna tavern owner has opened a case of fraud with the police after receiving an invoice from SA Breweries (SAB) for alcohol he claims he never ordered, let alone received. Zolani Nkohla of Zolani's Tavern in Bongani says SAB is claiming almost R15 000 from him for an order they say was delivered in early June. Nkohla told Knysna-Plett Herald last week he was shocked when he received an invoice on 4 July for the amount of R14 744. "I contacted SAB to ask about this and they said they delivered the alcohol on Thursday 4 June. But I never received that alcohol," he said. "Also, I never buy alcohol on Thursdays, my orders are done on Tuesdays."
He explained that he and his wife are the only people who place and receive orders at the tavern. "The signature on the order they sent me upon enquiry is neither mine nor it is my wife's," he said. "It is a forged signature, signed Zolani. I don't know who signed there and I did not get the alcohol."
He is now hoping the police can get to the bottom of the matter. "This is serious and many tavern owners may be experiencing the same problem as I did. I want this investigated and the person responsible held accountable," he said.
SAB customer credit controller Linda Nkosi said the matter has been referred to the responsible department for investigation. "The customer will be notified with feedback and an update once the investigation is done," said Nkosi. Police spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies confirmed that a case of fraud is being investigated by the Knysna detectives. "Preliminary investigation reveals that the signature of the victim was forged on a document from a supplier. Investigation into this matter is at a very early stage and no arrest has been made yet," Spies said.