Tempers flare at filling station
He added that it was only once the couple left the garage that his girlfriend told him what had taken place.
A petrol attendant at an Engen Garage in Edenvale will face disciplinary action after he confronted a patron on Tuesday, July 8.
In video footage recorded by a bystander, the Engen employee can be seen swearing at a customer.
According to the customer, Mr Christopher Moldovanos, he first stopped at the garage at around 6.30pm.
“While I was in the shop, one of the attendants made his way to my girlfriend’s car and a conversation took place,” he said.
“Approximately five minutes later I made my way to the car and the attendant left. When I asked my girlfriend what the man wanted she replied that he had asked if we needed fuel,” said Mr Moldovanos.
He added that it was only once the couple left the garage that his girlfriend told him what had taken place.
“My girlfriend told me how the attendant queried her relationship status. He then asked where she was from. When my girlfriend replied that she comes from South Africa, he allegedly told her it was not possible because she is white,” said Mr Moldovanos.
According to him, the petrol attendant also reeked of alcohol.
“We returned to the service station at about 9pm so that I could confirm the attendant’s name and report his behaviour,” he said.
Mr Moldovanos added that the other attendants on duty quickly pointed the man out to him.
“Confronting him was difficult as I was fuming, but I kept my composure. Another customer then began filming the incident and from the footage, it can be seen that the attendant was threatening us and swearing at us while in full uniform,” said Mr Moldovanos.
The corporate communications executive for Engen South Africa, Ms Bulelwa Payi, confirmed that the incident was reported to the service station operator.
“In accordance with labour legislation, the operator summoned the employee to a disciplinary hearing chaired by an independent labour attorney. The complainant was invited by the dealer to attend the hearing and present his evidence. He did not take up this offer. The hearing was held on Friday, July 11.
“The operator is now awaiting the recommendations from the attorney and will act in accordance with the recommendations. Engen regrets the incident that took place and will address the issue with our franchisee accordingly,” said Ms Payi.
Mr Jeff Blend, the manager at the service station, has said that the conversation between the two individuals was hearsay and only took approximately one to one and a half minutes before the attendant walked away.
“If it was such a drastic incident, why did the couple only return two and a half hours later?” Mr Blend questioned.
He added that the manager for the station was contacted by the complainant who demanded that the attendant be fired on the spot.
“The manager told the complainant that he would act by following the correct labour disciplinary procedures,” said Mr Blend.
He said attempts were made, without success, to have a breathalyser test conducted at the premises.
