********* TECHNICIAN

On Friday evening, 16 January 2026, I called Two Cousins Locksmiths after being accidentally locked out of my home with my children. I was told the call-out fee was R295 and that additional charges would apply.

When the technician arrived, I asked for a total cost estimate before any work started. He refused to give one, saying the office would invoice afterwards. No cost range or warning was given.

After about 1.5 hours, the door was opened. At around 23:30, I was presented with an invoice for R5,100, later reduced to R4,800 after I objected. I was then told full payment was required immediately or the technician would re-lock my home — despite it being nearly midnight and my children being present.

What raised serious concern was that the invoice did not reflect company banking details, but instead contained the technician’s personal details and bank account. Under pressure and distress, I was told the technician would “pay the company” and I should pay him back directly.

This entire experience felt coercive and unsafe:

No upfront quotation or informed consent

Excessive charges disclosed only after the work

Pressure to pay immediately under threat of being locked out late at night

Highly questionable billing practices

Locking a family out of their home late at night over a payment dispute is unacceptable and dangerous. I am sharing this so other consumers can be aware and exercise extreme caution.