Hi-Tek Locksmith - Can't code a key - won't return my computer box

Hi-Tek Locksmith - Unable to code a key and won't return my Vehicle's computer box which he removed using a chisel and hammer and broke the components!!!

Friday 6th August 2021: On Friday evening (6th August 202) I found that my Bantam 1.3 LDV’s key was missing. The vehicle was in daily use, and I urgently needed a new key to be coded. I contacted, Hi-tek Locksmiths, Cell phone number 061 445 1710 and 066 419 0341, 081 774 1207 which advertised on their website that they were professional, completed quality work and were able to code a new key of a vehicle successfully. I spoke to a person who introduced himself Hi-tek Locksmiths who assured me that they were registered locksmiths, were professional and had the skills and necessary equipment to successfully code a new key. They scheduled an appointment with me for Saturday 7th August 2021 and undertook to complete the work successfully the same day and have the Bantam with registration number FH28PR GP to start without effort. No Deposit was required as the agreement was that the work was to be completed successfully onsite the same day and the vehicle would have a new coded key which would work perfectly after which I would make a cash payment of R1650 as per their verbal quotation.

Saturday 7th August 2021: Hi-tek Locksmiths and his assistant arrived at my residence with a Volkswagen T Cross grey in colour with registration number JH77ZN GP arrived onsite and after numerous unsuccessful attempts to code a new key, Hi-tek Locksmiths removed the computer box to have the key coded accordingly “on the bench” at his business. It took him approximately 1 hours to remove the computer box using a chisel and hammer as he did not have a drill handy for the pop rivets. He promised to return with the computer box and the coded key on Sunday 8th August 2021 to fit the box and promised the vehicle would start.

Sunday 8th August 2021: He brought the computer box back and I lent him a hexagon key as he has not brought one with to open the box and fit a new chip. He eventually managed to remove the IC which I presumed was the transponder and replaced it with a new one. He soldered everything together and attempted to code the key. After his attempt to code the key, he connected the computer box up to the Bantam however the Bantam would not start. He fitted and removed the computer box and opening the computer box approximately 10 times and tried to start the Bantam approximately 10 times or more to no avail. He removed the computer box again and took it with him. Approximately 14h56 I sent him a WhatsApp asking him to keep me posted of the progress and that I would be waiting at the SPCA Roodepoort for him. At 17h47 he replied via WhatsApp that he still was unable to detect any fault and advised that he was testing the computer box itself. At 20h04 I sent him a WhatsApp asking him to return the computer box on Monday morning 9th August 2021, as Deon’s Locksmiths in Roodepoort would be able to complete the work successfully. He advised me to have Deon's Locksmiths proceed with the repairs. He demanded that I collect the computer box from him at polo Fields, waterfall in Midrand and added that he would send me his location once he arrived home. I replied that he was responsible for returning the computer box as he removed it from the vehicle and from the property. He demanded 50% payment for travelling and for the key he made (which he could not code) and that I was to pay it immediately should I want him to return the box. He accused me of being in breach of agreement and that I couldn’t expect him to return the computer box at his cost. I replied that I was not in breach of agreement, as he was unable to complete the repairs as agreed on, and therefore he was in breach of the agreement. He advised that he let me know when he would return with the computer box.

Wednesday 11th August 2021: Hi-tek Locksmiths advised that the components on the computer box were broken and accused me of having broken it and that he was unable to repair it. I replied that the vehicle was in perfect running condition with the computer box intact as no one touched it prior to him having removed it, and the only reason I required the service a locksmith was to code a new key. I requested an update from him on the progress of coding the key. He advised the broken components on the computer box have not been repaired yet and undertook to have it repaired that same day (11th August 2021). He advised he was on his way to where he took the computer box to be repaired, and the key was to be coded to see what was taking them so long and that he would wait until the repairs have been completed. Hi-tek Locksmiths contacted me and advised that there was a serious problem as they were unable to repair the computer box as the components on the box which were broken resulted in memory loss and that he would have to find another one from a s**** yard and redo the key. He was not prepared to take responsibility for the broken components of the computer box.

I told him that I expected to have a computer box in perfect working order, to be installed into the Bantam, the key coded accordingly and the Bantam to start without any problems by the next day, Thursday 12th August 2021 by 13h00. He apologised for the inconvenience caused and said that this has never happened to him before however he assured me that he would buy a box that same day (12th August 2021) and that they would have the car running by Friday 13th August 2021 before midday. Hi-tek Locksmiths demanded that I pay R2500. to assist him in purchasing another computer box as he could not afford to purchase another. He accused me of having broken the computer box. I once again told him that it was unacceptable as the Bantam LDV was in perfect running condition with the computer box intact and the only reason I required a locksmith’s service was to code a new key to replace the missing key. I asked him to please have a replacement computer box in perfect working condition by Friday 13th August 2021 by latest 15h00 which will leave him enough daylight time to complete the job as per our agreement. The completed job will entail a computer box in perfect working condition and coded key which will start the Bantam effortlessly as well as a workmanship and parts guarantee. I ensured him he would be paid according to his quoted price of R1650 on completion of the job as per our agreement.

Friday 13th August 2021: Hi-tek Locksmiths did not contact me, nor did he arrive to compete the work. I sent him a whatsapp message asking what his plan of action was as he ignored me and advised that I considered opening a case of theft and malicious damage to property and in addition, I would obtain the assistance of a legal team. I have not heard from Hi-tek Locksmiths since then.

When our lawyer called him, he said he would bring us a box he bought however, he now challenges the small claims court to try and find him!