Damning secret video proves allegations of how towing industry operates
Driver threatened throughout conversation.
The Record has obtained a video that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt how the towing industry operates – both locally and in general.
The video was covertly recorded in 2013 and captures a conversation between a henchman of one of the big towing companies on the West Rand and an independent operator. It was recorded on a cellphone in the independent operator’s tow truck.
Previous article: Tow truck tyranny: 999, the industry’s 666
The Record, after much deliberation, has decided that publishing the video will expose the identity of the victim who already fears for his life. We have therefore transcribed the most explosive parts of the 27-minute long conversation for our readers. The names of persons and companies have been changed. In order to protect the victim’s identity even further, we have also left out most of what he said during the conversation.
Henchman (henceforth referred to as H): “I am just here to give you a message. I am not here to cause trouble or fight with you. You know how (big boss of well-known towing company, henceforth referred to as B) works. I worked for B. This is his hot spot (meaning a specific location in which a company operates). He does not want you here. What is going to happen when you keep on coming here and sitting here, is that there will be trouble and you know what kind of trouble. I am telling you now in a nice way that he does not want you here. B gave me the message to give to you that you have been sitting here since the weekend. He doesn’t want other trucks here. If you go and look for another point, that’s fine but this is his area. And if you are going to interfere in his area he is going to make your life hell.” (At this stage the victim, henceforth referred to as V, wants to know where B got permission to solely operate in the area in question. The conversation gradually becomes more heated.)
Also read: Video: Tow trucker seriously assaulted by rival tow-truckers
H: “Listen here, you know how towing works. There is no letter that says this is my area. Take your vehicle now and go and sit in (a second big towing company’s name is mentioned. Henceforth referred to as C) C’s area. I’ll just leave you with that thought. Go and sit there for a week and see what happens. Before the sun sets (another henchman’s name is mentioned) will be on you because that is how C operates. End of story. They are not going to ask for your papers.
“I tell you now, this area belongs to (mentions B’s company). Take your truck now and go and sit in (mentions another area). That is also B’s area. But see what happens when you go and sit there. B will phone (another henchman’s name is mentioned) and he will s**t on you on the spot.”
(V then wants to know if there will be violence.)
H: “Don’t put words in my mouth. B says this is his hot spot. I’ll leave that with you. It’s a sensitive issue. End of story. You can draw your own conclusions.”
(H then identifies which areas ‘belong’ to which towing companies, to which V sarcastically, but rightfully replies, “I thought it belongs to the government”.)
H: “Now we are going to speak louder. If you go into C’s area they will do anything to take you out and keep you out. Do you understand what I am trying to say to you?”
(V then wants to know what about his rights.)
H: “The way I see it you are outnumbered. If you come here with 100 trucks, we can have a full-on war. Because that is what it is about. I don’t think you have a chance fighting us.”
(H then brags that the industry is not government-regulated and how even police colonels can’t touch him.)
H: “I feel f**k for all of them (the police). Because you don’t know who I am. I don’t speak to lawyers. I come in my way and I do it my way.”
(At one stage H even offers that V gets into H’s truck and the two of them go and stand on the East Rand. He ominously ends the conversation with …)
“Before the sun sets, we will be shot. That is what towing is all about.”
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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