Taxi ranks battle it out on the streets
Conflict between local taxi commuters lead to a stone throwing clash.
BURGERSFORT – Local taxi commuters were left stranded as their drivers were involved in a stone-throwing fight with their long-distance counterparts. The clashes involved Eastern Leolo Taxi Association and the Ohrigstad drivers. This happened at the Twin City taxi rank just behind SPAR on Wednesday July 24. Tubatse residents and the police were spectators to what looked like a tennis match. Some motorists even went to the extent of exchanging blows while others fired gunshots.
Cars entering and leaving town on the R555 were forced to stop. One local divulged to this reporter that this battle was different. “This was a unique fight. I enjoyed being a spectator, but it disturbed the traffic and threatened the lives of innocent people,” said the source. When Steelburger/Lydenburg News arrived at the scene, it was clear that the riot was still going to last for a while. Onlookers cheered as some of the taxi drivers ducked and dived, barely missing stone missiles.
According to Burgersfort police, the battle was fuelled by another taxi rank which was recently erected next to this one. It was also rumoured that the other reason for the conflict was that the fares were not the same. One of them provided a cheaper price while the other was a bit higher. Col Richard Madilonga told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that five cases ranging from malicious damage to property, grievous bodily harm, assault and attempted murder were being investigated by the police.
“Several cases were reported to us, and we are currently investigating them. We are monitoring the situation. At this juncture it is still calm,” said Madilonga. He didn’t disclose the number of people arrested, but said at least five had been reported injured, and only one had been killed so far. The fighting was still carrying on. Meanwhile Messrs Kgaudi Phasha (62), Phokela Phasha (55), Samuel Mohlala (72) and Alex Phasha (30) appeared before Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court for allegedly burgling the Moshate Wa Ga Phasha tribal offices. The accused were suspected of stealing four steel tables, 30 chairs and damaging the Moshate gate. They were granted R500 bail and would appear in court again on September 25. An investigation is still underway.
