A Crystal Park resident was stabbed more than 10 times before being dumped half-naked by the alleged Quantum taxi robbers on Heidelberg Road in Brakpan recently.
The 26-year-old, who did not want to be named, told the City Times he feared for his life when he was assaulted by the five men.
He explained he commuted the white Toyota Quantum taxi in Petit after he was dropped off by a friend as he was coming from work on October 24 around 6.30pm.
“When I got inside the taxi, there were four male passengers and the driver. I sat down, took out R100 and gave it to the driver,” he said.
“As I was waiting for my change, one of the men came up behind me, strangled me and when I tried to fight back they instructed me to lie down.”
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The victim said he then followed the instructions because he didn’t want to die. The five men overpowered him.
“They then searched me, while assaulting me and asked for my bank card and PIN.
“I told them I haven’t been paid yet; however, I gave them the PIN,” he said.
“I don’t recall if they did try to make the withdrawal or not as I was hit with something on my head and then blacked out.”
The victim added he only remembers waking up at a local hospital. His family found him on October 26.
They took the victim’s cellphone, bag, shoes, T-shirt and jacket.
The man said he didn’t recognise anything different about the taxi but the robbers spoke isiZulu. The driver was light in complexion, chubby and had a small beard.
A case of robbery and attempted murder is being investigated by the Crystal Park police.
Crystal Park SAPS spokesperson Sgt Lerato Mopeli said there have been no similar incidents reported recently but they urge residents to be vigilant at all times as criminals are opportunists and take advantage of any situation.
The police have issued several warnings to commuters since 2017.
“Police are conducting stop-and-searches, awareness campaigns to spread the message. We are also working with the Benoni Taxi Association,” said Mopeli.
“We also urge taxi owners to do a background check when they hire new drivers and make sure those drivers have driver’s licences.”
Police are investigating, and commuters are advised to take note of the following safety tips:
• If possible, travel with people you know.
• Avoid being the last person in the taxi, particularly at night.
• Know where you’re going.
• Avoid carrying expensive valuables.
• If you fall victim to criminals in a taxi, stay alert so you can identify the perpetrators and assist the police.
Try and memorise the taxi’s registration number or identifying marks, such as dents or stickers.
Victims may not always get a good look at the perpetrators and are often instructed not to look at them but try and remember other features, such as clothing or accents.
Suspicious-looking people, vehicles or activities can be reported to crime stop on 08600 10111 or the Crystal Park SAPS on 087 700 5319.
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