When The Wheels Come Off: Lessons In Consumer Rights And Ethical Representation.

The recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision in Platinum Wheels (Pty) Ltd v The National Consumer Commission & Another shows just how quickly a business can skid off track when it comes to consumer protection and legal compliance. What began as a straightforward consumer complaint about a defective car soon veered into a legal twist involving a fraudulent legal representative. The result? A journey that no business owner would want to embark on. Let's shift gears and see what lessons this case holds for businesses.

It all started with a second-hand BMW M5 sold by Platinum Wheels, a used car dealership. Shortly after the buyer drove it off the lot, the vehicle began experiencing serious mechanical issues. Within months, the engine gave up entirely. Understandably frustrated, the buyer lodged a complaint under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which guarantees consumers the right to goods that are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and durable