Esther was on her way to buy groceries, which she meant to donate to the less fortunate in her community, at an event she holds annually.
The incident with the taxi driver put her in hospital, where she was diagnosed with a fractured scapula and spine.
Because she was in hospital, the giving of groceries had to be cancelled at the last minute.
Esther, who was travelling in a car with her grandson, says the taxi driver swerved violently in front of the car and bumped her on the driver’s side.
• Read: How safe do commuter feel in a taxi?
“While we were still trying to understand what was happening, he forced my grandson out of the car and started hitting him.
“When I tried to stop him he pushed me to the ground. While I was lying there he drove over me, breaking my shoulder and spine, and drove off,” she says.
Esther says she still doesn’t understand why the driver became angry, because he was the one at fault.
“We are tired of being bullied by taxi drivers on the road who think that they own the road.
“They act like they own the road and when they don’t get their way they threaten our lives,” she says.
Esther says she is heartbroken that she could not fulfill her responsibility of donating food to the recipients she had identified, on the original date.
• Also read: Taxi accident leaves one dead
“The event has been postponed until May 21 at the same venue,” she says.
Springs police spokesman, Captain Johannes Ramphora, says a case of assault and hit-and-run has been opened.
“The man was arrested and appeared at the Springs Magistrate’s Court.
“The case was postponed for May 17 and the suspect was released on bail,” he says.
Connect with us:
Do you have an interesting newsworthy story? Connect with Doreen Mokgolo by contacting 011 812 4818 or send an email to doreenm@caxton.co.za
For the latest breaking news in your community, follow us on Twitter @AfricanReport and like our Facebook page for daily news.
For news straight to your phone and daily weather updates, invite African Reporter on WhatsApp by sending a message with your name and surname to 079 408 9334.
To see what we get up to in the newsroom and in town, follow us on Instagram at african_report
