Satra probing 'robot saboteur'

2005-03-28 17:40

Johannesburg - The SA Towing and Recovery Association (Satra) launched a probe on Monday into allegations that a man, who has been arrested, was disconnecting traffic lights to drum up business for West Rand tow truck drivers.

Satra chair Andre van der Merwe said sources had advised the organisation that the man arrested was a known beggar in the Florida area, west of Johannesburg, and was not directly employed within the towing industry.

"He does however form part of the information network utilised by towers on the streets. This means that he supplements his income generated from begging with a 'spotter fee' he earns every time he informs a towing driver of an accident where the towing driver actually secured the tow as a result of his call," he said in a statement.

He said the informant network was widespread in urban areas and included newspaper vendors, petrol attendants and hawkers.

Van Der Merwe said that according to sources the man was caught disconnecting a robot in an apparent effort to further enrich himself, by causing accidents and then earning the follow on spotter fee.

Earning extra money

"It is most unfortunate that blame for incidents of this nature are laid at the feet of the towing industry, where in this case, the suspect who stated he was helping towing operators was clearly helping himself to earn a few extra hundred rands."

The man was apprehended for allegedly tampering with traffic lights along Christiaan de Wet and Ontdekkers roads. He told police after his arrest on Sunday he was being paid to disconnect the robots in order to increase the number of accidents.

Van der Merwe said Satra was horrified that the value placed on the lives of South Africans could be reduced to a few hundred rand. The association would continue to assist authorities with their investigations.

"We wish to reiterate our commitment to the safety of the motorist at large and understand how stories of this nature can cause panic and fear for the motorist," he said.

Satra has set up a 24 hour call centre which can be contacted with information or if a motorist was in need of assistance. The number is 0861-072872.

- SAPA