Customer complain/unfair treatment

05 January 2019 On this day around 2:30pm,I had visited the Mont Clair Carwash, as requested by my mom, opposite MontClair Mall in Durban. I was in line amongst other cars then came a time I needed the Mall. I therefore got out of the car switched off the engine and gave the car keys to the car wash employee to manuvere the car whilst I am away. I left the premises then upon my return the employee raised his hands up in the air and upon my inspection of the car he had broken my car key. It was separated from its holder and with his attempt to fix it he used Pliers to start the car without my consent. He therefore continued to move the car and wash it untill it was done. He continued to drive it from the Washing Bay till where it was being cleaned inside. I reported the incident to my parents who then drove down to the Carwash using another car. Upon arrival as parents, we went to check the ignition of the car and noticed that the key was stuck inside and the casing with remote was kept at the control room. We asked the ladies who were cleaning the inside of the car where is the guy who caused the damage?

The guy was busy cleaning other cars, the ladies asked the guy to come and meet us but he never showed up. My wife, Mrs Dudu Zulu proceeded to the washing bay and asked the guy what occurerd. This guy was very rude and did not apologise although he admitted that it was his mistake. The owner of the business,Eugene, was contacted and he arrived at the premises. He spoke to his staff first and after a long wait we asked him if we can come inside the office and discuss the incident. The owner listened to both sides - my son and the carwash attendant. He said to us he understands our frustrations and anger but unfortunately cannot help us, We were referred to an Indemnity notice placed on the side of the concrete wall "CARWASH PLEASE NOTE : MOTOR VEHICLES AT THIS CAR WASH ARE WASHED AT THE VEHICLE OWNERS RISK. THE PROPRIETOR & THE STAFF OF THIS ESTABLISHMENT WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED TO MOTOR VEHICLES OR PERSONS. THANK YOU: MANAGEMENT"

The owner told us he is experiencing ongoing chalenges with his staff but will deal with them and give us feedback. He told us he cannot help us because of company indemnity not unless we charge the attendant.

The owner told us he is rushing and never bothered to check the car key stucked inside. I asked him how would he feel if it was his car?

We were left just like that, frustrated, disappointed and without any help from this carwash.

I would like to know do we have consumer rights that protect us in such incidents?

Mr Mbongiseni Zulu and family