Crime prevention: township genius invents a better 'mousetrap'.

Unoxhaka is Zulu for 'mousetrap' and is something completely new in the never-ending struggle against vehicle crime in South Africa. Conceived and created in the Durban township of Kwamashu by a 45-year-old, self-employed arc welder, Nkosinathi Gumede, the 'mousetrap' is a way of stopping car thieves in their tracks.

While some expensive car security systems are being circumvented by criminals, an increasing number of motorists are turning to the Gumede Mousetrap immobiliser as a cheaper, more effective alternative. The hand-tooled gadget fits across a car's pedals, then clamps and locks them together.

News of the Mousetrap is spreading fast and Gumede has employed two freelance artisans to help meet the demand. "I get orders from all over the place," he reports. "What makes it special is that it is not easy for the thief to reach unoxhaka by hand. You have the steering wheel, the dashboard all in your face, and there's little space for the thief to work."

The device, selling at just R130, could soon be given a boost with an endorsement by the Vehicle Security Association of South Africa. Says KwaZulu-Natal regional manager, Phillip Meskrey: "Any move aimed at combating vehicle theft deserves support."