Tshwane tow truck drivers ‘bullied’ by ‘rogue drivers’

A newly formed tow truck operator’s group in Tshwane has called on police to urgently stop the intimidation and harassment of its members by rival operators.

This comes after Pretoria tow truck operators were allegedly attacked in the Moot area on Wednesday afternoon, reports Pretoria Moot Rekord.

In a statement, the Tshwane Towing Alliance (TTA), representing drivers from the greater Pretoria area, said they were concerned about the ongoing violence.

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TTA chairperson Yvette Jonker said a delegation met senior police officers recently to present a memorandum to highlight the problem.

“We’ve had some rogue drivers from Johannesburg coming into our area. They have been intimidating motorists and our drivers for some time now. The industry has an agreement whereby the first operator at a crash scene tows the vehicle,” she said.

“However, we are seeing more and more cases where drivers are coming into our area and towing vehicles by force.”

Jonker said criminal charges are being opened following Wednesday’s attack.

“Individuals who have been involved before are again at it. We want them arrested, charged and convicted,” said Jonker.

She said her committee recently met Pretoria district police commissioner Major-General Tommy Mtombeni and senior officers to call for “urgent and decisive interventions”.

“We are determined to stop the bullying and mafia tactics. These individuals are giving the industry a bad name. The rot must be stopped,” Jonker said.

Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee has agreed to assist in stopping the harassment.

Moot police could not be reached for comment.

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