Kurts owners respond to oil spill allegations
The owners of Kurt's Towing and Recovery have denied the allegations and plan on taking legal action against the woman who made them.
DAYS after a shocking allegation against local towing company, Kurt’s Towing & Recovery, went viral on social media the owners have responded to the claims.
On Wednesday, 6 April a woman posted on the Umhlanga Rocks Classifieds Facebook page claiming that her daughter saw tow truck drivers from the towing company, that is based in North Coast Road, pouring oil onto Umhlanga Rocks Drive near Sunningdale in an effort to ‘create accidents’. What’s more the Facebook user posted that the drivers chased after her daughter when they realised that she had witnessed the alleged incident.
Within a couple of hours the post had been shared more than 500 times and had garnered shock and outrage from the public who took to the social media platform to voice their outrage.
But owners of Kurt’s Towing & Recovery, brothers, Kurt and Duane Bengtson, not only denied the allegations on Thursday but said they intended to pursue a civil case of defamation against the woman.
“All of our drivers and guys that work with us, including ourselves, are part of the community. So how is it that we would put our family members or friends in danger? It is absurd for them to be doing what they have been accused of doing,” said Kurt.
The duo added that they were frustrated and perturbed by the woman’s claims. “We cant figure out what the motivation behind her accusations are,” said Duane.
The brothers said the accusations have already begun affecting their business. Kurt, who is also the vice chairman of the South African Auto Repairer and Salvage Association, added that he was angered and disheartened by the allegations. “We see accidents that involve kids and it is hard for us. It doesn’t leave you. We questioned all our drivers about these accusations. Also all our drivers are vetted and we can categorically state that this did not happen. Anyone can go now and check if there are any signs of oil being poured anywhere on Umhlanga Rocks Drive. We have family who ride motorbikes on Umhlanga Rocks Drive, we would never do this. The allegations are ludicrous,” said Kurt.
The Bengtsons told the Northglen News that they were planning on taking the matter all the way to court. “We are not going to back down. This was irresponsible and the person who made these accusations must be brought to book. We are also talking to our lawyer about prosecuting anybody who shared the post,” said Duane.
The post has since been removed and at the time of publication. The Northglen News was unable to reach the woman who posted the allegations on Facebook.
