Radio hams bust in sting

DURBAN metro police have launched a series of sting operations to crack down on tow truck operators and private paramedic services which are illegally tapping into emergency radio frequencies for tipoffs on accidents and crimes.

This week, two paramedics from a private ambulance services company were arrested after they were bust in isipingo.

They had responded to a fake crash scene broadcast by police. But the operation, led by metro police and the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) has angered another operator, Rescue Care, which had also responded to the fake accident. Rescue Care operations manager Garrith Jamieson accused the police of allegedlyharassing and “kidnapping” its employees during the operation.

“Our ambulance was searched without a warrant or reason to believe it was involved in the commission of a crime. Our staff were ostensibly kidnapped and had their phones taken from them. They were harassed and pilloried. It remains unclear to us exactly what these officials were searching for.

“Nothing illicit was found and staff were not charged, though they were waylaid for an extended period,” added Jamieson, who has laid criminal charges for unlawful search, kidnapping, unauthorised borrowing, cybercrime, crimen injuria and impersonating a police officer.

Metro police spokesperson Parboo Sewpersad said tow truck operators and private ambulance services were also known to destroy evidence at accidents, making it difficult for police to reconstruct the scene. “Despite negative social media hype surrounding our operation, we will not be deterred from doing our job.”