Criminals use taxis to rob commuters

Katlehong North SAPS raised concerns about the increasing trend of taxi robberies in Katlehong North and surrounding areas.

This follows at least seven people reporting cases of robbery inside a taxi.

According to police reports, criminals take advantage of the dark winter season to rob commuters using a taxi in the afternoon.

The criminals may be taxi operators and their friends or a person who stands in for the driver during his day off or weekends off.

While police state that the robberies are usually committed in the afternoon, they warned that commuters should also be careful during the early hours of the morning.

Based on reported cases, the media liaison officer, Capt Lesetja Mathobela, explained that they pretend to be taking a load before robbing the unsuspecting commuter.

“There is a taxi driver along with people pretending to be commuters with approximately five or fewer people. “Once the actual commuters get inside the taxi, the driver will drive off and after a few minutes, one of the passengers would pull out a gun and rob the commuters of their belongings, such as cellphones and money,” said Mathobela.

This crime is a concern for Col Raymond Buthelezi, the station commander of the police station.

Taxi operators are encouraged to work with the police in fighting the ongoing robberies that occur in the area.
He urges community members to also help the police arrest the perpetrators.

Safety tips

• Commuters are advised to use known minibus taxis as a mode of transport, instead of hiking or taking a lift from unknown taxis.

• Do not carry large sums of money.

• Beware of people asking for information or offering you goods, maintain a safe distance.

• When you stop a taxi, take the registration number and the name of the association or ask someone to accompany you when using a taxi.