SECUNDA – Vukanini Taxi Association warns its drivers to be cautious of taxi hijackings that are on the rise in the area these days.
The association said it is not sure if they are specifically targeted. One of their minibuses was found in Gauteng with its number plates changed.
These criminal activities began last year where taxis were hijacked on the road or taken at operators’ homes.
“As taxi operators, we see this happening weekly. Even the operators’ own vehicles are taken at home.
“We ask our drivers to be vigilant all the time,” said Mr Aron Mahlangu, spokesman for the Vukanini Taxi Association. It is believed these criminals are armed and dangerous, most of the incidents happened at night and the taxi operators are robbed at gun point.
“There are leads that we are following up. The association is working together with different stakeholders and hope to give feedback.”
Mr Mahlangu suspects that some of the information comes from within the organisation and that there are individuals who want to enrich themselves.
“We have a strategy on how to end this. Our commuters must not panic because they are in safe hands,” said Mr Mahlangu.
eMbalenhle Police confirmed that one of the minibuses was found in Gauteng with a changed plate number.
A case of hijacking was opened at the Delmas Police Station by the driver who was hijacked together with his girlfriend at Mandela Section.
The hijackers dumped them at Bapsfontein.
The case was referred to eMbalenhle Police Station for investigation.
No arrest has yet been made.
