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July 17, 2025 – A Cape Town bishop says he has been living in fear after his Audi A4 was deliberately set on fire on the same day the mechanic he accused of stealing parts was arrested. The bizarre case has sparked a dual legal battle, with both the cleric and the mechanic pursuing criminal charges.
Bishop Michael Williams of the Ethiopian Catholic Church of Southern Africa told local media that the ordeal began nearly a year ago when he entrusted a Grassy Park mechanic to repair the petrol pump on his Audi A4 – a gift from his son and daughter-in-law. The vehicle was essential for his pastoral work, including feeding the needy.
“I paid for and supplied the petrol pump myself, but the car never got fixed. Instead, it was taken to the mechanic’s home and sat there for months. Bit by bit, parts went missing,” Williams said. Frustrated, he approached the courts and police, leading to the mechanic’s arrest on June 12.
According to police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala, the mechanic was arrested for theft after failing to return cash given to buy parts. He appeared in Wynberg Magistrate’s Court and was later granted bail.
The twist came when the bishop’s car was torched on the same day the mechanic was being processed. The mechanic, whose name has been withheld pending charges, insists he has an alibi. “I was arrested at 9 a.m. and booked into custody by 9:20 a.m. The car was set on fire at 9:42 a.m. after sitting untouched at my property for 11 months,” he told the Cape Argus. He also said he plans to file a criminal case against the bishop, claiming the parts were never removed.
Police have not confirmed a direct link between the arrest and the arson. Forensic teams are collecting evidence, and the case remains under investigation.
Legal experts note that proving arson in such a scenario is challenging without eyewitnesses or surveillance footage. “The timing is suspicious, but the mechanic’s alibi – being in police custody – is strong,” said Cape Town attorney Johan Botha, who is not involved in the case. “However, the bishop’s vehicle may have been targeted by someone acting on the mechanic’s behalf.”
Williams expressed shock at the escalation. “I never expected this. I just wanted my car back. Now I fear for my safety.” He added that the vehicle’s loss has hampered his charitable work.
The mechanic maintains his innocence and says he is the victim of a misunderstanding. “The bishop asked me to source computer boxes for the car. I was working on it. Now my reputation is ruined.”
As the dispute moves through the courts, both parties await the results of the arson investigation. No further arrests have been made, and police urge anyone with information to come forward.
