SAPS and taxi association draw the line

IT SEEMS that the local SAPS and the Vryheid Taxi Owners Association have reached some common ground on the hitchhiking matter.

According to the SAPS’ Captain Cheryl Venter, it was agreed at a meeting, which was held between both parties, on Thursday, last week that red lines would be painted on the road at the hitchhiking hot-spots as a means to deter motorists stopping at these areas to pick up hitchhikers.

These measures have been taken following the violence that is said to have ensued at these hiking spots between motorists and taxi drivers.

According to reports, members of the taxi association were allegedly beating up anyone who was found picking up hitchhikers at the hiking spots.

Although the Zululand Taxi Owners Association chairman, Mr Sibusiso Zwane, said that members had been asked to only be on guard at the spots and not to impose any violence, reports at the local police station prove that a few of these encounters have actually turned violent.

Although the police have said before that an adult is permitted to get into any vehicle he/she wants to, with the driver’s consent, and should not be intimidated for doing so. It seems that these measures have had to be taken in order to avoid further violence.

Although this will be to the disadvantage of many hitchhikers, the line has been drawn.

If you have any interesting stories please send them to: estella@caxton.co.za or Contact us on: 034 981 39 30.

Also Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, and on WhatsApp 060 9860 731.