Brakpan police have urged taxi commuters to be vigilant following a spate of robberies on passengers.
It was reported in last week’s Herald, ‘Weekend crime’ how a taxi commuter was robbed on August 5 by the occupants of a white Toyota Quantum along Crocodile Street in Sallies Village at 06:00.
After boarding the taxi, the victim was overpowered by three men who held him down and searched him.
He was robbed of R1 500 and his cellphone and dropped off in Minnebron.
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Brakpan SAPS spokesperson Captain Pearl van Staad told the Herald the perpetrators are armed with knives or guns.
“They will threaten you and demand your belongings and cellphone,” she said.
“Your banking app will be accessed and money will be withdrawn. “Be vigilant and do not use your app in front of other passengers or public places.”
She added that customers of e-hailing services must also be cautious.
Commuters are advised to take note of the following safety tips:
• If possible, travel with other 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 do fall victim to criminals in a taxi, stay alert.
This will enable you to identify the perpetrators and assist the police. Try and memorise the taxi’s registration number or identifying marks, such as dents or stickers.
