The commute to work turned into a nightmare for two women who were forced into taxis and raped before being thrown to the side of the road recently.
Umhlali SAPS spokesperson Vinny Pillay confirmed that two rape cases had been opened by two women who said they had been kidnapped and raped while on their way to work early in the morning.
The first incident took place at Upper Tongaat where a woman was walking to work at around 6 am. A taxi carrying two men forced her inside, raped her and dropped her off at Shakaskraal.
The second rape took place at Shakaskraal where a woman said a taxi driver had forced her into a taxi, raped her and left her on the side of the road.
Pillay did not know if it was the same taxi involved in both incidents.
However, Dolphin Coast Taxi Association spokesperson Sunshine Mthiyane said the association’s taxi drivers are being watched and there was no proof that the taxis involved in the rape incidents were not privately owned.
“Our taxis have the Dolphin Coast Taxi Association stickers and people can easily identify our vehicles.
“After reports of overloading, the taxi driver’s coming and goings are closely monitored by their bosses and drivers are tested throughout the day to make sure they are not drinking and driving.
“Private taxis that transport workers and school children are also running. I do not believe that the taxi or taxis involved belong to this association,” he said.
Pillay suggested that women take extra caution especially during the winter season where it is still dark in the early hours of the morning.
“Women should walk in groups and try to leave home when it is bright outside. It is sad that women have to be so careful but it is the only way to possibly prevent such incidents from occurring.”
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