CJ
Chris J

1 reviews | Active since Sept 2019

10 Feb 2022, 22:52

First HELP??

I was involved in a car accident 08/02/2021. It was raining and traffic was jammed in many places. I am a type 1 Diabetic and as I crew tired having to sit in traffic I did not feel the onset of low-bloodsucker. As a result I become confused and drove my vehicle of the road into a palisade fence. There was a gentleman by name Clifford representing the tow-in company First Help. He talked fast and I cannot remember parts of the conversation. Somehow I did agree into him towing my car. I then got taken to hospital by ambulance. Only to make sure my sugar-levels is stabilized. I do remember clearly asking the First-Help tow-in agent that I need some of the things in my car, there was laptops, computer equipment and most important my medication. He assured me that I can go to the FirstHelp storage area in Waltloo at any time and only present the paper that he gave me to the guard at the gate and they will let me in. I also do remember signing that he may tow my car, I honstly do not know why, and also why I did not ask him about their rates.. I got home at 19H30 and immediately made may way to FirstHelp tow-in zone only to find that I am not allowed to access my vehicle outside office hours. The guard could not give me any information on what to do or who to call. I did attempt to call the 24hour emergency line but lost battery power during the conversation. I then had to go to trough great trouble in order to get medication I needed. The morning I got access to my vehicle and could remove my personal belongings. My shock came when I got a R10-465.00 bill, I was dome-struck, I could not believe it! I do not have insurance because i have a one-man IT business that is battling to stay afloat after all the Covid turmoil and the likes of it. There is absolutely no way I can afford that amount of money and loosing my vehicle I will loose my only source of income. I have a 6year old daughter under my care. This is devastating to me, I have had NO IDEA the cost of towing would be so exuberant. I would never had agreed to that amount was I informed and / or I could think clearly to ask. I did ask the lady at the office whom I may speak to and I got a contact person by name Lerato ojn contact number ***, I have tried the number but, it only rings. Also, everyday the car is held by FIRST HELP the charge an extra R350/day! I am very sorry, but of personal opinion within my freedom of speech and expression to ask the following questions. Are people , generally, that has no insurance, able to pay R10465.00 immediately or loose your car after 90days (adding to the total R350 PER DAY)? how many struggling people can cope with that? In this time where so many people are struggling to bring food to the table, now also ''loosing'' their transport in such a unenforceable way? Who can bare the truth? I cannot read the reference number on the "tax invoice - delivery note'' I got on the crash scene but details I have is listed below.

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Replies (5)
CJ
Chris J's update11 Feb 2022, 23:32
Reviewer Update
I have not had feedback from First HELP, also I get no reply from Lerato's contact number. The weekend has come meaning for Saturday and Sunday I believe First Help offices are closed and it will cost me an additional R700 (R350 per day storage fee) adding on to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (R!050). Meaning by Monday I would have storage fees of 6 days added to my bill; R10465+(6*R350) = R12465.00. I am thus being billed R350 per day because I cannot yet pay a bill that was not revealed to me until First Help had possession of my car already.
First Help Towing
First Help Towing's reply12 Feb 2022, 20:53
Official
Good evening Chris 

My sincere apologies for the lack of feedback regarding your concerns ,I will give you a call on Monday morning 
CJ
Chris J's update15 Feb 2022, 09:09
Reviewer Update
Hi have managed finally to get answer form the number I was given to a Lady called Lerato. I was transferred to extension from switchboard, When I started giving my details, she told me she cannot hear me and she ended the call.
CJ
Chris J's update16 Feb 2022, 00:53
Reviewer Update
I has become clear that FIRST HELP is not willing to communicate or to defend their case. I have now launched a complaint to both Consumer Complaints (CRM) / ICASA and the Ombudsman (thencc). Tomorrow my legal advisor will further instruct me. I will keep updating the progress and the outcome here. I want to make it clear that I am not malicious or against any party, I am merrily a strong ambassador of truth , righteousness and justice. If I am wrong I will apologize. I invite anybody who knows anybody with a similar problem, present or past, to follow this story so they will also know what to do and what the law sais in order to react should they wish to.
CJ
Chris J's update20 Feb 2022, 22:45
Reviewer Update
FHT, please could you reply and/or act on your commitment to contact me? As to insure you have my contact detail I will list them again:
Cell: *** (whatsaop registered)
email: ***
I would really appreciate feedback and communication.