A year to get his vehicle back from panel beater

A local resident and public prosecutor, Thami Mokgoko, has a cautionary tale to share with the community.

Last year just before Easter his wife was involved in an accident on the corner of Ontdekkers Road and Corlett Avenue. After the accident the vehicle, a small bakkie, was towed to his house and subsequently to a panel beater. A few days later he visited the panel beater to check on the progress but was told that the bakkie was irreparable and that he had to pay R21 000 for storage. He found this exorbitant, and the panel beater told him he would waver the storage fee. When Mokgoko returned the next day the panel beater said he had changed his mind and insisted on the storage fee. Mokgoko told him he would pay the next day, but decided not to leave it at that.

When Mokgoko returned to pay he was told his vehicle had been sold, but they could not tell him to whom and for what price. Mokgoko was highly upset since the bakkie was still being paid off and technically belonged to the bank. He also still had one of the keys of the bakkie.

He decided to open a case but police insisted it was a civil matter. Out of desperation he turned to the Police’s Provincial Office where it was confirmed that it is indeed a criminal matter and instructed that a docket be opened. Meanwhile he kept on receiving traffic fines and e-toll bills, and he also knew that the vehicle’s licensing disc had expired, therefore it was used on the road illegally, over and above without his consent. According to Mokgoko the vehicle incurred 70 000km while “in storage”.

It transpired that the panel beater had sold the storage to a second panel beater, which is common practice when a panel beater does not have enough storage space, and that the real problem started after this transaction. The second panel beater did two things that were illegal – he fixed the vehicle (that was declared a write-off) without informing the bank, and then used it without the required documentation or a valid licensing disc.

When a warrant of arrest was issued for the theft charge just over a week ago, the initial panel beater explained what happened and then had to repay the storage to the second panel beater despite their (the second panel beater) being in the wrong. Mokgoko and the first panel beater reached an amicable agreement and all costs were wavered.

“I had no vendetta. It was not even really about me. What I wanted was justice for the consumer. I think it is time government intervened in this industry,” said Mokgoko.

Note: The Record is by no means insinuating that every operator in the panel-beating industry is guilty of misconduct but only that consumers should be aware and choose a reputable panel beater.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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