A motor mechanic from Mbombela in the Mpumalanga Province is expected to appear in the Kwamhlanga Magistrates Court on Tuesday for allegedly exploiting a female client and driving her car without permission.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala says the 34-year-old mechanic was working on an engine fault on his client's Chevrolet Aveo and when she paid the bill of R800 he refused to give it back.
He says the mechanic told the complainant that the job was not yet done and demanded a further R5 200.
Brigadier Mohlala says the woman insisted on getting her car back but the mechanic kept on refusing.
According to reports, he was later seen gallivanting around Moloto in the woman's car without her consent and a case was subsequently opened at the local police station.
The Provincial Police Commissioner of Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela warned business owners to stop exploiting communities, especially women.
"The 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," she added.
