The tow-truck industry is closely linked to the illicit drug trade, with some police officers allegedly involved in facilitating criminal activities, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Deputy Director for Investigations Len John made the allegations while testifying before the commission in Pretoria.
John is providing evidence on gang activity in the greater Durban area and alleged links between criminal networks and members of the South African Police Service.
According to John, a significant number of tow trucks are allegedly being used to transport and distribute drugs across the country.
He further told the commission that some police officers are allegedly involved and have connections with operators in the tow-truck industry.
“So police are very much involved in the tow truck industry. They have their friends in the tow truck. They know the tow truck that they can communicate with and because of that, we see that the tow truck industry has a free reign when it comes to crime because we believe that the tow trucks are used for transporting drugs,” John said.
However, John stressed that his allegations do not apply to every tow-truck operator.
“I’m not saying that all the tow trucks,” he added.
His testimony forms part of the commission's broader investigation into organised crime, gang activity and alleged corruption within law enforcement structures in KwaZulu-Natal.
The commission is expected to hear further evidence concerning the alleged relationship between criminal networks, police officials and businesses operating in the province.