UPDATE: Tree feller accused defends ‘bad guy’ status
The Richards Bay business owner denies he acted with the intention of putting other tree fellers out of business and says he did not act alone
THE act of pulling down illegally-erected signs, ranging from adverts for tree felling and tarring services to abortion posters, has led to numerous death threats for a Richards Bay business owner.
George Shacks, who runs Chop-Chop garden services, denies he acted with the intention of putting other tree fellers out of business and says he did not act alone when he removed the signs from traffic lights, street poles and sidewalks.
The signs are either home-made or stuck onto the opposite side of boards used by legitimate street advertisers.
‘I have got plenty of work and in fact I do employ tree fellers – as long as they are legally in the country.
‘I check out ID books, passports and work permits because I don’t want to employ them illegally.
Shacks, who regularly assists the CPF with anti-crime patrols, also raised the question of where some of the tree fellers were acquiring equipment such as expensive chain saws and brush cutters.
He claims to know of 13 chain saws and 16 brush cutters being stolen from businesses such as his, as well as from retail suppliers and many more from municipalities.
He has personally laid stolen property cases with the SAPS, without any successfully recovery.
Not one to stand back in the face of online criticism, Shacks has reacted in kind with harsh Facebook responses couched in crude language, which has not helped his cause.
‘I take threats against my life seriously. While I and others pay a lot of money to run our businesses and we contribute to the local economy, yet I am seen as a villain for upholding the law.’
Ward 2 councillor Alen Viljoen, although not having knowledge of Shacks’ actions, confirmed the municipality had a couple of months ago employed people to physically remove illegal signs.
