VIDEO: Well known tow truck driver arrested for intimidation
The incident happened on Sunday after an accident happened in Bosch Street
MBOMBELA – A well-known tow-truck driver has been arrested for allegedly intimidating his competitors at accident scenes.
Willem Swart (30), a tow-truck driver for Van Wettens Towing, was arrested on Tuesday and appeared in the Nelspruit District Court the same day on charges of intimidation and a case of crimen injuria.
According to police spokesman Capt Dawie Pretorius, he was arrested after cases were opened against him.
Marius Kruger, who works for Thompsons Towing situated in Stinkhout Crescent, said Swart had been intimidating him at accident scenes for months. “When any other tow-truck company gets to a scene, we normally share the vehicles. First on the scene normally takes the first, then the second the next vehicle. This is how we operate, as there is enough business for everyone.”
Read more here: What is crimen injuria?
“The incident happened on Sunday when an accident happened in Bosch Street. I arrived first on the scene and then another tow-truck driver arrived. While I was speaking to the motorist, Swart arrived and tried to take the vehicle.”
When he told Swart not to take the vehicle, a verbal argument ensued.
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Kruger said that night, there was another accident at Enos Mabuza Drive. “When I was driving back to our yard that night, Swart swerved in front of me and tried to block me from getting into our premises. Some other tow-truck drivers joined him and started swearing at me and accusing me of saying things I would never say.”
Watch the video captured on Kruger’s dashcam:
Kruger said his wife came out to see what was happening, and Swart allegedly swore at her as well. “I was upset about how he spoke to my wife, so instead of losing my cool, I phoned a policeman I know. He spoke to Swart over the phone and told him to stop his nonsense. Afterwards I went to the police to open the case.”
Van Wettens regional manager, Morné de Wet said he was unable to comment regarding the case against Swart, as he had not had enough information.
Swart was released on a R2 000 bail.
