Tow-truck tyranny: the industry’s dark underbelly
A close-knit industry ruled by fear and intimidation.
In the light of the overwhelming reaction to the Record’s article about the assault on the tow trucker this past Thursday (19 October), we would like to inform our readers that we will continue the investigation into what seems to be a much deeper problem.
Read the initial article here:Â Video: Tow trucker seriously assaulted by rival tow truckers (Graphic images and language)
Various people have come forward with stunning allegations regarding the towing industry. All of them had one thing in common – they fear being identified. All the people that spoke to the Record thus far seemed justifiably paranoid and literally begged the Record to remain anonymous. Although at first it was thought that the incident in which Johnny Vance was assaulted by other tow truckers was an isolated incident, new information suggests otherwise. When people within the industry were approached to comment, there was suddenly an unnatural veil of silence. The allegations the whistle blowers made that will be investigated are that –
• The tow trucking industry is being run in a “mafia-like” fashion
• Violence and intimidation are used to keep employees to “toe the company line”
• There is a complex relationship between the different towing companies as well as the private emergency services
• A certain private emergency service refused to take Vance to hospital because of its “relationship” with the towing company the alleged perpetrators work for. (The Record knows the identity of the paramedic against whom the allegations are made)
• In cases such as Vance’s, it often happens that “dockets disappear” or “matters are settled outside of court”
• Towing companies use “strong men” to “sort out problems”
The Record also knows the identities of those who allegedly committed the assault. It has approached some of them for comment and in line with the Press Code is giving them a fair amount of time to do so.
Since starting the investigation on Friday (20 October) the Record’s journalist has received numerous warnings to “look over his shoulder” and “not meet certain individuals alone”.
Also Read:Â Witnesses sought: Man severely assaulted
The Record would like to state explicitly that for now these are allegations and that not all tow truck drivers or towing companies are necessarily complicit in those alleged activities.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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