“Taxi’s do not own the roads” – national co-ordinator

“Taxi drivers must understand that they do not own the roads.”

This was said by Mr Malose Joe Modisha, the national co-ordinator for taxis when asked about recent reports that taxi drivers were threatening motorists with weapons on Harris and Laurie roads.

He condemned the behaviour reported to the NEWS.

“The roads are used by everyone. We urge motorists to contact us if they fall victim to such behaviour,” said Mr Modisha.

He added that residents could phone him personally with complaints.

“Those involved in threatening motorists will be dealt with,” said Mr Modisha.

Residents who report unruly taxi drivers are asked to take note of registration numbers, the time of the incident and the location of where the incident took place.

“Displayed at the back of every taxi should be a sticker indicating which association the taxi belongs to. When reporting misbehaving taxi drivers, also try to see which association they belong to,” said Mr Modisha.

He assured the NEWS that all complaints received would be directed to the relevant associations for action to be taken.

In the January 22 edition of the NEWS, it was reported that taxi drivers wielding weapons out their windows have motorists up in arms.

Edenvale resident, Mr Kesigan Padayachee, witnessed one such incident.

“I was driving on Laurie Road and saw two taxies driving in convoy. The drivers were swinging knobkerries from their windows,” said Mr Padayachee.

According to him, the drivers were swinging knobkerries to intimidate motorists in the oncoming lane to move out the way and let the convoy pass.

“If motorists in the oncoming lane do not allow the taxies in convoy to pass, the drivers use the knobkerries to smash and damage car windscreens,” said Mr Padayachee.

Another motorist, Ms Monique Morris, has witnessed this behaviour several times.

“It happens almost every morning and afternoon on Harris Road. As a female driver it is really scary,” said Ms Morris.

Last week the NEWS reported that an Edenvale father was furious after his wife and two children were threatened by taxi drivers on Laurie Road.

Mr Ricky Correia has said authorities have to do something “before people start taking the law into their own hands”.

“We cannot have our drivers disrespecting the laws of the road and threatening other motorists,” said Mr Modisha.

Residents can report taxi drivers to Mr Modisha on 072 992 9313 during office hours.