CAPE TOWN - A Nelspruit mechanic is expected in court on Tuesday after allegedly driving and refusing to return a vehicle to its owner after he fixed it.
Police spokesperson Selvy Mohlala said the 34-year-old motor mechanic was arrested after allegedly driving his client's vehicle without consent, and refusing to give it back when he finished fixing it.
“According to the information, on Sunday, February 13 police received a complaint at KwaMhlanga that a certain motor mechanic refused to hand over the victim's car.
“Reports further stated that the victim's car had an engine fault and she then took her Chevrolet Aveo to the mechanic to be fixed where she paid an amount of R800. When the victim wanted her car back the man refused to give it back, citing that he was not yet done but then demanded an amount of R6 000,” Mohlala said.
Despite the victim insisting that the mechanic brings back her car, the man kept refusing.
“He was later seen by others gallivanting around Moloto with the victim's car without her consent.
“She then reported the matter to the police at KwaMhlanga. A case of driving a motor vehicle without owner's consent was opened and the man was arrested,” Mohlala said.
The suspect is due to appear before the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela warned that business owners should avoid exploiting communities, especially women and vulnerable groups.
"This tendency must stop now. I further request others to report incidents of this nature and not to allow anyone to abuse them directly or indirectly," Manamela said.
Cape Times