Boy survives beating by taxi drivers
Police say taxi drivers who are beating people and claiming to be working with the police, must face criminal charges.
LEANDRA – Local police denied asking for back up from local taxi drivers.
This was after a 20-year-old boy was allegedly beaten by taxi drivers who claimed they were working with local police.
He said he was on his way to church when a taxi stopped next to him.
Four men got out and accused him of being a crime suspect.
“I ran away and feared for my life, because they looked furious and knowing what kind of people they were, I knew they could kill me.
“They chased me and called others to join them.
“I ran to my neighbours’ garage where they caught up with me and beat me severely.”
When the taxi drivers were asked why they were beating the boy, they said they were working with local police to reduce crime in the area and that they are often asked for back up by the police.
W/O Khuselwa Matrouse, spokesman for the Leandra Police Station, said the police did not ask back up from the taxi drivers.
“We always teach people in our community at outreaches and meetings to not take the law into their own hands.
“Whoever takes the law into his or her own hands, must face a criminal charge.
“We are investigating and are following the right procedure to ensure the perpetrators are charged.”
The local taxi association said they have not received any complaints and advised that the victim write a letter to the board concerning this matter.
