Community jumps in to help Van Riebeeck Park petrol attendant
The guilty motorist had still not shown up
RESIDENTS have helped a friendly petrol attendant after a motorist left an unpaid bill at the Shell garage at the corner of Elgin and De Wiekus roads in Van Riebeeck Park on August 5.
Morena Seete told EXPRESS he had been careless and allowed a motorist to leave without paying his bill and knew he would be liable for the R300 petrol bill.
“At the time I felt responsible. I did not even accuse the customer of theft or anything.
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“He went to the store to buy some snacks and when he returned we both forgot it was time for money to be exchanged. I went to the local media because I hoped he would see the article and return to pay the bill.
“I waited for almost two weeks, hoping he would return and pay, but he did not,” said Seete.
When residents read the story on Kempton Express’ website last week, they were touched and some said they knew Seete as a friendly petrol attendant and decided they would make small donations to help him pay the bill.
By Monday Seete said the whole situation was resolved as customers of the garage contributed to cover the bill.
“I have learned a lesson and I want to thank all the people of Van Riebeeck Park and surrounding areas. The garage did not punish me for going to the paper for help. They understood I tried to wait for the driver of the Toyota bakkie to return and pay the bill as we work with people and sometimes people make mistakes.
“Remember, we are a garage which serves a loyal community. Sometimes our customers forget their wallets but by working together we resolve such matters with ease,” said Seete.
Although residents noticed that the situation was resolved, some were disappointed that the motorist had enough time to realise he did not pay a bill but did not go to the garage to own up.
