Nelson Mandela's grandson Zondwa Mandela has allegedly refused to pay Investec what he owes for a Mercedes Benz.

The Sunday Independent reported he was apparently also allegedly refusing to hand the car to the bank's recovery department.

Investec spokesman Howard Tradonsky said the bank obtained a judgment and attachment order in October for the return of the 2008 Mercedes Benz S320 CDI worth R669,000.

"He may have paid a few instalments in the beginning," he told the paper.

"We're not dealing with Mr Mandela any differently from other debtors who are unwilling or unable to pay."

Investigator Howard Blumenfeld, hired by Investec, had no address at which to serve the summons because no one seemed to know where Zondwa was.

A sheriff had visited the homes of former president Nelson Mandela, and ANC MP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, in a vain effort to find the car, Blumenfeld was quoted as saying. However, he was in telephonic contact with Zondwa. "I talk to him [Zondwa] daily. I sent him an SMS this morning," Blumenfeld said. "He keeps promising me money is coming in and he will pay the bank. But it never happens."

The Sunday Independent said efforts to contact Zondwa Mandela proved fruitless.