THE USE of polygraphs in the fight against theft and corruption remains a major issue between the Road Freight Association and SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union. Magretia Brown, executive officer of the Road Freight Employers’ Association, said managers had wanted to use the polygraph as an investigative tool. “There is no intention to rely on it for the dismissal of an employee. “Our problem is how to deal with criminal syndicates. Once there is a code of conduct in place you can stop abuse by having a policy to regulate the use of the polygraph. “Our aim is to have a regulatory document signed off by both parties that will include the use of tools and how to apply a framework to their specific use,” she said. Abner Ramakgolo, the national coordinator for Satawu on the Council, was however concerned about abuse of polygraphs and suggested other tools should be considered like specialised interviewing techniques and the use of ‘impimpi’(spy) hotlines.
