Alex taxi drivers’ favoured vehicles, Toyota Avanzas are being targetted.
This was said by the Alexandra Police Station’s acting commander, Colonel Nhluvuko Zondi during an update on crime in the township. Zondi said crime, in general, had stabilised but was still persistent with regards to motor vehicle hijacking, (including Avanza taxis), murder, rape and common assault. The police are working on collaborative training initiatives with other security agencies, the Community Policing Forum, residents and their leaders to improve awareness and vigilance.
Zondi also divulged that the taxis were targets for hijackings and robberies, some allegedly engineered by the drivers, who tipped off their accomplices who robbed (particularly foreign) shop owners who were returning with goods for sale from wholesalers. “In such cases, the drivers aren’t harmed but the shop owners are robbed of goods, money and personal items,” she said.
She also reported that a recent trend had emerged where taxis and drivers are being hijacked at night by people masquerading as commuters. “They are targeted at night and at gunpoint, and taken to places like Thokoza and Daveyton, where the taxis are in demand, presumably because of their size and maybe efficiency in fuel consumption.”
Zondi added advised that taxi owners could reduce the hijackings by stopping their 24-hour operations, carrying out regular spot-checks of the drivers to ensure there are no late-night operations, and not allow unregistered drivers to use their vehicles. Vehicles should be parked at their homes after work.
Read: Man beats, snatches baby from girlfriend
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
