Mailbox: DeVere client losing faith in the ombud

By John Eccies*

As a regular reader of Biznews I have been following your investigation into the alleged Ponzi scheme around Kellerman.

My interest picked up when you revealed the link with DeVere group. The reason is as a client of DeVere I have a pending case reported to the FAIS ombud. The case has been with the ombud since 2 September 2014 but to date no out come has resulted.

Briefly the case revolves around the fact that I made a substantial investment with a Mr. Craig Featherby at the time CEO of DeVere Cape Town (now resurfaced as CEO of Carrit Wealth in Cape town). After about five years about 99% of the value of my investment has been lost in dodgy investments. In the five years I never once heard from Craig Featherby who was subsequently never to be seen or heard from. My investment mandate details are all in writing, but in summary the mandate was for a “moderate” risk investment for five years.

To date, the person dealing with my case at the ombud, Mr Deon Esterhuizen has not been very forthcoming as my requests for a progress report is just answered “you will be contacted should there be any meaning full development as the office is under a high work load”. Should de DeVere be found guilty of misconduct by the FAIS Ombud my intention is to take the matter further in a civil summons for my full loss.

I am starting to lose faith in the ombud, however when I read your investigation and the link with DeVere, it gives me some hope that the true deviousness of DeVere is high lighted.

I hold your journalism in high-esteem and should you have any suggestions for me it would much appreciated.

Good luck with your investigation.

*John is a member of the Biznews community

* Click here to read the “back story” and access links to all the Biznews.com coverage of the Belvedere saga.

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