Taxi chairperson shaken by unexpected visit
After a regular day of business on Thursday, 30 July, Ventersdorp taxi chairperson Smanga Johannes Biyana had just knocked off from work when he got an unexpected visit.
After a regular day of business on Thursday, 30 July, Ventersdorp taxi chairperson Smanga Johannes Biyana had just knocked off from work when he got an unexpected visit. “It was at approximately 18:40 when a white van, with no registration, arrived at my house, claiming to be security,” Biyana said.
“When they finally got to speak to me, they said they were sent by Joseph* who has two vehicles with an operating meter taxi licence.”
According to Biyana, the intruders explained that they were sent because he (Biyana) had prevented Joseph’s* vehicles from operating. Biyana says they had tried to accommodate Joseph* by letting his taxis operate. However, the issue started when he refused certain shifts and routes.
“I asked them [the intruders] why they had brought work matters to my house. If they wanted to discuss anything work-related, they had to go to our offices during business hours,” Biyana explained.
During the exchange, Biyana quickly sent a message to a work group chat and alerted police that he needed backup.
To his relief, his colleagues and the police arrived in the nick of time. “These people were armed so I don’t know what their intentions were,” he said.
At first, there appeared to be two passengers in the car. But when the police searched the vehicle, they discovered that Joseph* had been hiding in the vehicle along with more firearms.
Biyana says he is shaken by what has happened and fears for his family’s safety. “This is the first time since being a chairperson of the association that I have ever had people sent to my house. I don’t feel safe and fear they will come back and harm my family,” he said. My family has been unsettled since the incident.”
In this country, it is common for people within taxi associations to hire hitmen. However, Biyana says that has never been the case in Ventersdorp, and they would continue to ensure that it never gets to that point.
“We do not know what to anticipate after this. We need to be extremely cautious as a community,” rank master MB Jengela said.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Amanda Funani, three suspects, aged between 24 and 29, were arrested for intimidation and trespassing on Thursday, 30 July. “It is alleged that one of Ventersdorp’s taxi owners and other taxi drivers argued,” Funani explained. “Three armed suspects went to the taxi rank manager’s house, asking why he refused to let them load passengers.”
Funani confirmed that two suspects were granted R500 bail each on Monday, 1 August, while Joseph* remains in custody until his next court appearance, set for 30 August.
*Not his real name
