BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MATSAPHA – That attractive car parked gleaming on a Matsapha dealership floor may look like the bargain of a lifetime, but police are warning emaSwati not to allow excitement to overtake caution when buying a vehicle.
Assistant Inspector Bheka Masilela has urged prospective car buyers to thoroughly inspect vehicles, verify their history and seek expert advice before parting with their hard-earned money.
The warning comes amid concerns that some old or pre-owned vehicles are being refurbished and presented to unsuspecting buyers in a manner that may create the impression that they have recently been imported from overseas.
Masilela said Matsapha had become one of the country’s busiest centres for vehicle sales, attracting customers from different parts of Eswatini. However, some buyers arrive with limited knowledge about vehicles, making them vulnerable to costly mistakes.
“What we’ve noticed is that old cars are now revamped. It might be pre-owned cars and you are told that it’s from overseas,” Masilela said.
For many families, buying a vehicle represents years of saving and sacrifice. It can also be one of the biggest personal investments they make. Police are therefore warning that a rushed decision could turn the excitement of owning a car into frustration, unexpected repair bills and financial loss.
According to Masilela, some buyers only realise that something is wrong after completing the transaction and driving the vehicle away.
Mechanical problems may begin appearing soon afterwards, sometimes resulting in breakdowns that ultimately push frustrated buyers to seek assistance from the police.
“They will eventually face breakdown and when that happens, they come to the police to report. And yes, it is our duty as the police to help them,” he said.
Masilela stressed that buyers should never judge a vehicle solely by its polished exterior, attractive price or promises made during the sale.
Instead, he encouraged anyone planning to purchase a vehicle to take along somebody with proper knowledge of cars, preferably a qualified or experienced mechanic, who can inspect the vehicle before money changes hands.
“Let us urge Emaswati to have knowledge about cars or go with someone who has it to be safe when you go to see it,” he said.
His message to buyers was simple: do not rush.
“Don’t be in a hurry to own a car,” Masilela cautioned.
Beyond checking the mechanical condition of a vehicle, police are also encouraging buyers to carefully understand any agreements they enter into before committing themselves.
Masilela said prospective buyers could seek assistance if they were uncertain about the terms of a transaction, adding that police were willing to help people understand agreements before problems developed.
“You can even come to the police station and invite us to come and listen to your agreements,” he said.
The police officer further appealed to Matsapha residents and members of the public to report suspicious activities linked to vehicle sales.
The warning highlights the importance of treating vehicle purchases with the same care as any other major financial decision. A few extra checks before paying could save buyers thousands of Emalangeni in repairs, disputes and losses later.
For emaSwati dreaming of owning their next vehicle, the police message is clear: inspect before you invest, ask questions before you pay and never allow a seemingly attractive deal to pressure you into making a rushed decision.
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(Courtesy Pic)
