Meter taxi drivers accused of terrorising shoppers at Eastgate

Meter taxis at Eastgate Shopping Centre have been accused of putting shoppers’ lives at risk.

“I recently went to the movies with friends and decided to call a taxi service afterwards to get home. The night turned into a nightmare when I was attacked by a meter taxi driver,” said Eva Mikixi, a resident from Kensington.

She said the first driver, a woman, cancelled the trip.

“The second driver arrived and I got in. Another meter taxi guy ‘patrolling’ in an old Toyota Condor, blocked my driver by parking behind him. He intimidated the driver.

“I got out of the car to confront him, but he closed his window,” said Mikixi.

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She said she feels uncomfortable because this was not the only incident where a meter taxi driver used intimidation.

“In the second incident, I was with my daughter and we called a taxi service again and waited in what we considered a safe spot. Three drivers cancelled because they fear intimidation and for their safety. It was impossible to get a ride. Drivers were cancelling on us because metered taxi guys were out in numbers patrolling in unidentified cars trying to intimidate other taxi services,” explained Mikixi.

Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha has also expressed concern and said he had received several complaints from residents who said they had been attacked at the centre while a taxi service was collecting them.

“I understand residents’ concerns because no one wants to feel unsafe,” said Da Rocha.

Eastgate Shopping Centre said it is aware of altercations between taxi services and metered taxi drivers at and around the centre.

“We don’t support discrimination or intimidation of any kind. We have been engaging with Uber, Maxi Taxi, city council, SAPS and Bedfordview Traffic Department with the intention of finding a resolution to the reported conflicts between competing for sedan-based public transport systems at Eastgate,” said Alana Hoskin, Eastgate marketing manager.

“Additional security has been placed at pick up spots and security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of shoppers.

“A dedicated drop-off and pick up area has been arranged for all the e-hailing service providers, where extra security officers have been stationed in the area. The centre’s surveillance system monitors this area very closely,” said Hoskin.

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She said that all cases of intimidation against Eastgate customers have been reported to the SAPS.

“The police urged members of the public who have been intimidated in and around Eastgate to open a case at Bedfordview Police Station, as this will assist in investigations in order to alleviate and ultimately bring an end to the conflicts,” said Hoskin.

She said the centre will continue to monitor the matter to ensure a safe and secure shopping environment for customers and staff.

“Shoppers are allowed to use their own choice of transport. We don’t condone drivers attacking shoppers. That is wrong,” commented Abner Mashikinya, spokesperson of the Johannesburg Meter Taxi Association.

“We are, however, concerned about taxi services coming into our territories and taking our money,” said Mashikinya.

He said meter taxis have been operating in the area for over 25 years.

“This rank was allocated by Johannesburg Road Agency. We are registered to be here. The other taxi services do not want to be registered but want to work in our area. That is illegal,” said Mashikinya.

“We are suffering because they charge cheap rates and people are opting to use their services. That is wrong because there is a standard rate that we charge. Because they are not registered they can do as they want. The minister of transport needs to intervene before the situation gets out of control,” said Mashikinya.