A Call for Accountability

On 15 August 2026, my 10-year-old son was standing at his grandfather's gate in Eldoradopark, waiting for the gate to be opened. A First Help tow truck sped around the corner, lost control, and struck my son with its headlight. The impact was so severe that he spun around and hit the gate with his back. The tow truck then crashed through the boundary wall.

The driver was unlicensed and under the influence of cannabis. His passenger, also an employee of First Help, was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested on the scene.

My son was rushed to Lenmed Hospital. Thank God no bones were broken, but he suffered significant bruising and remains traumatised. Our medical bill came to R2,323.29 - co-payments for X-rays and medication.

I sent a formal demand letter to First Help Management on 17 August 2026, giving them 48 hours to reimburse our medical expenses. They acknowledged receipt and forwarded my correspondence to a Bianca Nel on 18 August, then again on 20 August. I followed up on 19 August when the deadline passed. To date, I have received NO RESPONSE. Not even an acknowledgment.

Ms Nel, you have my email address. You have my cell number. You have the police reports and the hospital receipts. A child was injured by your company's driver. The R2,323.29 we are asking for is not a fortune - it is the co-payment for X-rays and medication for a 10-year-old boy who was hit by one of your trucks. I am not asking for compensation for trauma, pain, or suffering - only the medical costs. Respond to me. Acknowledge my emails. Show me that First Help is a responsible company and not one that hides from its victims.