SENTINEL AUTOMOTIVE FORENSIC SERVICES™

When a vehicle problem becomes too complex to manage informally, Sentinel establishes the facts.

Independent automotive evidence, technical case management and decision-ready case documentation.

SUBMIT A CASE FOR INITIAL REVIEWHOW SAFS WORKS

INDEPENDENT. • OBJECTIVE. • EVIDENCE-FIRST.

WHEN THE MATTER STOPS BEING SIMPLE

Facing an unresolved automotive matter?

A serious vehicle problem can quickly become difficult to manage when technical questions, documents, costs and different explanations begin to overlap. SAFS helps bring structure to complex automotive matters where the available information needs to be properly examined and organised.

01

Major Vehicle Failure

A significant vehicle failure occurs after purchase or following previous repair work.

02

Dealer & Customer Disagree

Responsibility for a defect, failure, diagnosis or proposed repair is disputed.

03

Warranty Claim Rejected

A warranty claim has been declined, questioned or subjected to conflicting technical explanations.

04

Workshop & Repair Dispute

Questions arise around workmanship, diagnosis, authorisation, repair costs or repeat failures.

05

Engine or Gearbox Failure

A major mechanical failure requires clearer evidence, technical questions and further investigation.

06

Vehicle Off the Road

A business vehicle is immobilised while the parties disagree about diagnosis, costs or responsibility.

The common problem is not simply that something went wrong with the vehicle. It is that the information needed to understand what happened has become fragmented, disputed or incomplete.

See how SAFS structures the evidence →

WHAT SAFS CHANGES

From fragmented information to a structured automotive case.

Vehicle matters often begin with information spread across different people, documents and systems. SAFS brings that information together, identifies what is missing and structures the available evidence into a case that can be properly assessed.

BEFORE SAFS

Fragmented Information

  • WhatsApps
  • Emails
  • Job Cards
  • Invoices
  • Diagnostic Reports
  • Photographs
  • Workshop Opinions
  • Warranty Documents
  • Different Explanations
Sentinel Automotive Forensic Services SAFS logo
EVIDENCE
STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL REVIEW

INDEPENDENT • OBJECTIVE • EVIDENCE-FIRST

STRUCTURED CASE

Decision-Ready Case Material

  • Master Chronology
  • Evidence Register
  • Technical Issue Matrix
  • Missing Evidence Register
  • Decision Trail
  • Next-Step Roadmap

SAFS does not change the evidence. It changes how the evidence is organised, examined and understood.

The objective is not to manufacture a preferred conclusion. It is to establish what the available information supports, what remains unclear and what should happen next.

WHAT SAFS DOES

Evidence organised. Technical issues identified. Cases structured.

SAFS provides a structured framework for examining complex automotive matters. Our role is to organise the available evidence, identify the technical and evidential issues that remain unresolved, and develop clear case documentation appropriate to the matter.

PILLAR 01

Technical Evidence Reconstruction

SAFS brings fragmented automotive information together and reconstructs the factual and technical history of the matter.

INFORMATION MAY INCLUDE
  • WhatsApps and emails
  • Job cards
  • Quotations and invoices
  • Workshop reports
  • Photographs
  • Diagnostic records
  • Service histories
  • Warranty records
STRUCTURED INTO
  • Master Chronology
  • Evidence Register
  • Technical Issue Matrix
  • Missing Evidence Register
  • Decision Trail
PILLAR 02

Technical Case Management

Where a matter is still developing, SAFS helps establish clear evidential, authorisation and operational boundaries around the next steps.

THIS MAY INCLUDE
  • Vehicle inspection
  • Evidence preservation
  • Diagnostic authorisation
  • Workshop custody
  • Document requests
  • Further technical assessment
  • Specialist inspection
  • Testing requirements

The objective is to ensure that important decisions and further investigation are properly documented rather than managed informally.

PILLAR 03

Independent Reporting & Case Files

SAFS converts complex automotive information into structured documentation that can be understood and used by the relevant parties.

CASE MATERIAL MAY SUPPORT
  • Private vehicle owners
  • Businesses and fleet operators
  • Attorneys
  • Claims professionals
  • Warranty administrators
  • Appropriate ombud or regulatory escalation

The scope and form of the case documentation will depend on the evidence available and the requirements of the matter.

The level of SAFS involvement depends on the complexity of the matter.

Some matters require only an initial structured document review. Others may require further evidence mapping, technical assessment or case management.

For most new matters, the starting point is CaseDesk™.

THE STARTING POINT

CaseDesk™ Initial Case Review

Fixed-Fee Document & Evidence Review

Before authorising significant diagnostic, repair or professional costs, obtain a structured independent review of the information already available.

YOUR INITIAL REVIEW INCLUDES

1. Relevant document review

Review of relevant job cards, invoices and communications.

2. CPA-relevant documentation and compliance review

Review of available documentation relevant to the matter and identified compliance questions.

3. Evidence-gap identification

Identification of missing documents, records and information that may be important.

4. Preliminary technical issue mapping

Identification and organisation of the principal technical questions arising from the available material.

5. Next-step roadmap

A structured indication of what further information, investigation or professional input may be required.

CASEDESK™
INITIAL CASE REVIEW
Fixed Fee
R1,495

Document & Evidence Review

START YOUR CASE REVIEW →

Independent review. No predetermined outcome.

Payment for a CaseDesk™ Initial Case Review does not guarantee that SAFS will find evidence supporting your preferred outcome.

Why start with the information already available?

Further diagnostics, vehicle stripping, specialist inspections and professional services can become expensive. A CaseDesk™ review helps establish what information already exists, what remains missing and what questions should be addressed before unnecessary costs are incurred.

Not every matter needs an expensive investigation. The first step is understanding the evidence already available.

WHO WE HELP

Different clients. The same need for clear automotive evidence.

SAFS supports private clients, vehicle-dependent businesses and professional users where an automotive matter requires structured evidence, technical clarity and properly organised case documentation.

PRIVATE CLIENTS

Private Vehicle Owners

For serious vehicle, dealer, workshop and warranty matters where the evidence has become difficult to manage.

  • Dealer and used-vehicle disputes
  • Workshop and repair matters
  • Warranty disputes
  • Major mechanical failures
START A CASE REVIEW →

BUSINESS & FLEETS

When a Vehicle Problem Becomes a Business Problem

Vehicle downtime can cost substantially more than the repair itself. SAFS helps establish what happened, what evidence exists and what should happen next.

  • SME and company fleets
  • Uber / Bolt operators
  • Couriers and logistics
  • Contractors and trades
  • Security and shuttle operators
BUSINESS VEHICLE CASES →

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Legal & Claims Professionals

For attorneys, warranty administrators and claims professionals requiring structured automotive evidence and technical case-file support.

  • Automotive evidence reconstruction
  • Master chronology
  • Evidence indexing
  • Technical issue mapping
  • Missing-evidence schedules
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES →

A vehicle can be personal property, an income-producing asset or part of a professional case file. The evidential requirement remains the same: establish what can actually be demonstrated.

SAFS approaches each matter according to its evidence, technical complexity and intended use — not according to a predetermined position.

THE SAFS METHODOLOGY

From case submission to decision-ready case material.

SAFS follows a structured process designed to establish what information is available, what remains unresolved and what further steps may be required.

Submit Your Case

Complete the structured SAFS intake and provide the information and documents currently available.

This establishes the starting point for the matter.

CaseDesk™ Initial Review

INITIAL PAID REVIEW

SAFS conducts a paid structured review of the available documents, communications and evidence.

Initial evidence gaps and technical issues are identified.

Evidence Mapping & Further Review

Where required, SAFS identifies missing records, unresolved technical questions, inspection requirements and evidence-preservation needs.

Further investigation is determined by the requirements of the matter.

Decision-Ready Case File

Depending on the agreed scope, SAFS develops structured case documentation for resolution, professional review or further escalation.

The output reflects the evidence available and the work actually performed.

Not every case proceeds through every stage.

The appropriate scope depends on the information available, the technical complexity of the matter and what further evidence or professional input may be required.

SEE HOW SAFS WORKS →

WHY INDEPENDENCE MATTERS

Sentinel does not exist to manufacture a position for the party paying the account.

Our role is to examine, organise and document the available information objectively.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE MAY SHOW

01The evidence supports the client's position.

The available material may substantiate relevant aspects of the client's account.

02The evidence does not support the client's position.

An independent assessment must also recognise information that contradicts the client's preferred interpretation.

03Further evidence is required.

The available material may be insufficient to reach a reliable conclusion.

That independence is fundamental to the value of SAFS.

INDEPENDENT. • OBJECTIVE. • EVIDENCE-FIRST.

SAFS CASE STUDY 001

Anatomy of a Complex Used-Vehicle Dispute

An anonymised example of how the Sentinel methodology can turn a fragmented automotive matter into a structured, auditable technical case.

ILLUSTRATIVE METHODOLOGY EXAMPLE — NOT A VERIFIED COMPLETED CLIENT ENGAGEMENT

AUTOMOTIVE EVIDENCE / CASE STRUCTURE

From scattered records and conflicting explanations to a documented, auditable case structure.

BEFORE

  • Multiple parties
  • Vehicle failure
  • Conflicting explanations
  • Incomplete records
  • Diagnostic costs
  • Emails
  • WhatsApps
  • Job cards
  • Workshop reports

SAFS METHODOLOGY

  • Master Chronology
  • Evidence Register
  • Technical Issue Matrix
  • Missing Evidence
  • Cost Authorisation Record
  • Decision Trail

AFTER

A fragmented automotive dispute converted into a structured, auditable technical case.

READ THE CASE STUDY →

The case-study destination is planned. Publish or update this link only when the relevant page is live.

OUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE

Clear professional boundaries.

SAFS provides automotive evidence review, technical case management and structured case documentation.

SAFS PROVIDES

  • Automotive evidence review
  • Technical case management
  • Structured case documentation
  • Automotive case reconstruction
  • Evidence organisation
  • Technical issue identification

SAFS DOES NOT PROVIDE

  • Legal representation
  • Legal advice
  • Guaranteed dispute outcomes
  • Binding findings
  • Vehicle repair services
Where legal advice, engineering opinion, laboratory testing or other specialist expertise is required, the appropriate independent professional may need to be engaged.

SAFS KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

Automotive evidence & case guidance.

Practical information on automotive evidence, vehicle disputes, technical documentation and the steps that may be relevant when a vehicle matter becomes difficult to manage.

ARTICLE 01 · DIAGNOSTIC AUTHORISATION

Vehicle Diagnostic Fees and CPA Section 15 — What Should Be Authorised?

A practical guide to diagnostic estimates, authorisation records and relevant Consumer Protection Act considerations.

ARTICLE 02 · EVIDENCE PRESERVATION

Why Vehicle Evidence Should Be Preserved Before an Engine Is Stripped

Understanding why photographs, diagnostic information, component condition and repair records may matter before further dismantling.

ARTICLE 03 · COMPLAINT DOCUMENTATION

Preparing a Vehicle Complaint File for MIOSA

How to organise communications, transaction records, workshop documents and supporting evidence before approaching the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa.

VIEW THE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE →

Article previews represent planned editorial topics. Individual article links should be added only after publication.

START WITH THE EVIDENCE

Establish the facts before the evidence changes.

When a vehicle matter becomes difficult to manage, start with a structured review of what can actually be demonstrated.

SUBMIT YOUR CASE TO SAFS

INDEPENDENT. • OBJECTIVE. • EVIDENCE-FIRST.

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