Couple, Londiwe Mbokazi and Puseletso Seleka, found themselves in a nightmare when well-known event planner Vusi Tladi of Morwaseepe Wedding Rescue allegedly made off with R81,400 meant for their big day. 

The couple based in Midrand, Johannesburg had allegedly paid the full amount for the wedding, however, the services were never rendered, leaving them stranded just a day before their wedding. "We started worrying a few days before the wedding when Vusi was quiet but we trusted him," the distraught bride said. "Friday, 14 June, Vusi stopped all communication and blocked our calls and we couldn't reach him for the d?cor and everything he had promised," Londiwe said he sold them a dream and that her special day would be memorable but Vusi failed her and her husband-to-be. "The best day of my life turned out to be the worst." 

After much frustration and a show of community spirit and solidarity, community members of Ga-Maja outside Polokwane put their heads together to make the day memorable. "There are people who call themselves the SA Events Group, along with Re?oket?we, Mahlatse of Puleng Events and Reineth Catering, they came together to rescue the situation," Londiwe said. "They helped us to put things together at the last minute. Despite the initial setback, the wedding was beautiful."

The couple wants to take legal action against Vusi, who has since been untraceable. "We urge others to be cautious and thoroughly vet any event planning services to avoid similar situations. We are determined to see justice served and are working with authorities to track him." Zimoja called Vusi for comment but his phone was off.