A Groutville resident feared for his life as all four tyres of the stationary company bakkie he was driving were slashed, allegedly by a spear-wielding man, on the N2 close to the Umvoti Toll Plaza.

The incident occured yesterday morning and it is alleged the assailant was a KwaDukuza Taxi Association security guard.

Recounting the incident, driver Muzi Simamane says the incident occurred at around 06:00 when he was parked on the side of the road waiting for a colleague.

He was approached by some hitchhikers for a lift, but declined.

“Suddenly a white [Toyota] Corolla with KwaDukuza Taxi Association signage pulled up in front of me. Security guards got out and chased the hitchhikers with a sjambok. One of them, carrying a spear, approached my vehicle and without a word slashed all four tyres. They then just drove off,” explains Simamane.

His employer, Hendrik Fourie of Jehcon Group, says he had to pay R8 170 to replace the damaged tyres and is still awaiting the tow truck bill. A case of malicious damage of property was opened at Umhlali SAPS and Fourie says he was told it would be transferred to the KwaDukuza police.

South African National Taxi Council provincial office manager Sifiso Shangase emphasised that no one was above the law.

“Security guards have a code of conduct to adhere to. Assault or damaging people’s property is a crime and the police should take action. We apologise for the incident as no one deserves to have their property damaged,” adds Shangase.

Efforts to contact the KwaDukuza Taxi Association for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.