A company by the name of Milargro Trading Enterprises has allegedly been scamming people by selling them fertiliser at ridiculously high prices.
The owner Adelingo De Santos drives around neighbourhoods in a dark blue Ford van while salesman Nathin Jarno sits at the back scouting for potential clients.
A Northcliff resident who preferred to remain anonymous fell victim to the salesman’s mannerism and friendly nature when he introduced himself and the products to her.
“He ran towards my yard while my gate was closing and went on about the special fertiliser that is imported from Mozambique called milagro,” said the resident.
“He ensured me that my grass would look fantastic within two weeks when he returns, and that I would only have to pay then.”
The resident recounted how Jarno insisted that she sits outside to observe while he applied the fertiliser on her lawn.
She noticed that he would talk incessantly during this time, avoiding her question about how much the job would cost.
The Northcliff resident realised she was being taken for a ride when her bill amounted to R1 700, which Jarno suddenly requested upfront.
After negotiating the price down to R1 400, she then told Jarno she would ask her husband to send the money electronically.
After Jarno left their premises, the resident decided not to pay. When he returned the following day to claim his money, she asked him for a reference list of his clients before she could pay.
Jarno’s cooperation came back to bite him as the so-called clients did not come to his rescue.
“My bill amounted R15 000 which included the fertiliser and the pesticide he sprayed in the house,” said a Fairland resident who preferred to be called Jacqui. “I can’t even see the difference.”
Other references denied ever being clients of Milargro Trading Enterprises.
When questioned about the validity of his company, Adelino De Santos insisted that it was legit although it’s still in the process of being registered.
“We operate under a farm owner’s company vat number while we finalise the registration,” De Santos said, incriminating himself further.
