Fear taxi violence in Mamelodi could claim lives
Unknown men attack four-plus-one taxi drivers and deflates their taxi’s tyres in Mamelodi on Thursday.
Another four-plus-one taxi had tyres deflated and driver assaulted during violence between the taxi operators in Mamelodi Thursday.
The clash occurred a day after more than ten four-plus-one taxis were stoned and its tyres deflated in Tsamaya Road, Eerstefabriek also in Mamelodi.
The clashes are allegedly instigated by drivers and/or operators of the minibus taxis operating in the area unhappy that the drivers of the smaller cars were stealing commuters from them.
A 20-year-old four-plus-one taxi driver, who wanted to remain anonymous for security reasons, said a group of men assaulted him and deflated all four tyres of his taxi.
He alleged his attackers were members of Mamelodi Amalgamated Taxi Association (Mata).
“They do not want us to operate in the area,” the victim said.
Mamelodi resident Mary Nkuna said the four-plus-one service put food on the table for unemployed local youth.
“Owners and drivers of four-plus-one taxis are local people. This business helps local youth to fight poverty,” said Nkuna adding unemployment was high among local youth.
She said if these young people were forced to stop running the service, it would possibly lead to a higher crime rate.
“Mata should not deprive the local youth an opportunity to fight starvation without turning into criminals.”
Rekord reported the violence had caused a traffic jam on Tsamaya Road on Wednesday morning, delaying motorists on their way to work.
Concerned residents told Rekord they feared the attackers would hurt people if parties involved did not find an amicable solution.
Community leader Makhanda Selulu urged the taxi operators to stop fighting and find a peaceful solution to their problems.
The taxi violence has been going on in Mamelodi for more than five years.
Mamelodi Long Distance Taxi Association member Kleiboi Sebanda denied there were violent clashes in Mamelodi.
“I do not know of any taxi that had its tyres deflated, and our taxis are working [operating] without any problem.” Sebanda said.
He referred to four-plus-one taxis as illegal without the right to operate in Mamelodi.
“I do not want to talk about bogus taxis. They are not known even by the department of transport.”
He said the legal taxis in the area carried from nine passengers upwards and not four.
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