Due to high rate of robbery at gunpoint happening to taxi drivers in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, by criminals who pretend to be commuters, taxi owners made a commitment to search taxi’s to ensure passengers safety.
During their search operation, taxi owners put reflector jackets and gather along the road. Once the taxi stops, they search all the passengers.
Taxi owner Jafta Selebi said last month, criminals who pretended to be commuters robbed six Ga-Rankuwa taxi drivers and commuters at gunpoint.
“The criminals work in pairs and would disembark from a taxi along the way, and one would point a firearm at the driver while others are busy searching the commuters. We had to stand as they are putting our commuters’ safety at risk”, said Selebi.
Selebi added that criminals do not target Ga-Rankuwa taxis only, but taxis from Hammanskraal, Mabopane and Soshanguve are also targeted.
“In other areas, there has been eight attacks and more as they took action late. We need co-operation to commuters so that everyone gets home safe”, he said.
Commuter Gideon Mothapisi said they have to fight criminals because in other incidents where robbery occur, some of the people get injured. He added that they do not mind the coldness as it is winter, but wants ensure that people get home safely.
“Most of commuters are confident to take part to end these criminal activities, as long as the owners kept up the momentum. Owners will continue the search until we are safe again”, said Mothapisi.
