Taxi rank a hub for criminal activity (Complete article)

Residents using the local taxi rank are concerned that criminals are using it to hide from the police.

“Criminals in town rob people and run to the taxi rank to hide,” a commuter said.

According to him this is done in plain sight of the taxi drivers, but they turn a blind eye.

“I feel the drivers are only worried about taking our money and have no regard for our safety,” the commuter said.

According to Mr Joseph Ntshangase from the local taxi association this is not the case.

“We do not turn a blind eye, but have asked the police to post one of their trailers at the rank to be more visible,” Mr Ntshangase said.

“I cannot comment on this matter because this has not been reported to my office,” Mr Mandla Mbonani, chairman of the association, said.

“We are currently in talks with the municipality to upgrade the taxi rank because there is no entrance or exit, so anyone can gain entry.”

Mr Mbonani also said that now that the issue has been brought to his attention, he will be taking it up with the taxi drivers and the taxi owners.

“As it stands now, it is not really a taxi rank, but only a parking place.”

According to Mr Linda Tshabalala, manager of the Lekwa Municipality, discussions are underway, but due to financial restraints the commencement date of such a project can not be given.

“Most projects have been put on hold for the next six months due to their payment agreement of the Eskom debt,” Mr Tsabalala said.

He also said the municipality will be tabling an adjustment budget plan in December that will deal with such projects.

Lt Fanie Nhlabathi, spokesman of the Standerton Police, said the police are vigilant in that area.

“We have a vehicle that is stationed at the taxi rank during the day.”

According to him patrols are done frequently in and around the taxi rank.

“This has been going on for years,” Mr Jannie Kasselman of Kasselman Security Services said.

According to Mr Kasselman the reason for running to the taxi rank is because with many people there during the day, they tend to blend in.

“They also change their clothing in the taxi rank and if we are looking for someone reported to have been wearing a blue jacket, a change to an orange jacket was done in the meantime,” Mr Kasselman said.

According to him not only the taxi rank, but the railway bridge is also used to escape and once over the bridge, it is difficult to catch up.

The Standerton Advertiser reported about illegal gambling taking place at the taxi rank for years.

Drinking in public is also a concern among illegal gamblers and violence is usually the outcome.

Lt Nhlabathi confirmed that assault and theft among gamblers are prevalent.

“We have visited the area several times, but failed to arrest anyone,” Lt Nhlabathi said.

“The perpetrators flee as soon as they see us.”

The Standerton Advertiser will keep its readers updated.