VANDERBIJLPARK – A growing trend of alleged abuse of power by taxi industry patrollers has spilled into the Vaal.

This comes after Civic Centre patrollers have been plunged into the spotlight, with a viral video showing several members assaulting a motorist.

According to information at Ster’s disposal, the members had stopped the driver, dragged him out of the car, and assaulted him after accusing him of transporting people.

Police have since launched an investigation into the matter after a case was opened at Vanderbijlpark Police Station.

Meanwhile, the taxi industry body, Santaco, condemned the attack.

Spokesperson Rebecca Phala described the incident as “criminality” and confirmed that the men involved have been suspended.

“We are very concerned. The patrollers are employed to protect the taxi business and support the marshals at our taxi ranks. They have no authority to take people out of vehicles,” she said.

She urged the public to report such attacks to the police. “We need to rid the industry of this criminal behaviour,” she added.

To curb the attacks, Phala said Santaco was heightening its recruitment drive to include criminal record checks.

“Police also need to do their bit. We suspect these acts continue because people are not being arrested. We urge law enforcement to take this case with the seriousness it deserves,” she said.

Gauteng provincial spokesperson Colonel Dimakato Sello confirmed that a case of common assault was opened on January 12. As of yet, no one has been arrested.