Sebenza SAPS visits Eastleigh taxi rank
She said they have been tasked by the station commander to visit various taxi ranks in the area to address some of the issues that have been raised.
When Sebenza SAPS members visited the Eastleigh Taxi Rank as part of their project to create relationships with taxi associations, they were not prepared for what they found at the taxi rank on October 7.
When they arrived at the Eastleigh taxi rank, one of the drivers was celebrating his birthday and the taxi drivers at the rank had gathered to celebrate the day with him. The Sebenza SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Sharon Mahamba-Tsotsotso, said they went and bought a cake for the driver before getting to the real reason why they were there.
“We decided to join in the celebrations because people tend to think police and taxi drivers can’t get along. This was just a gesture from us to show them that police officers are not aliens,”said Sgt Tsotsotso.
She said they have been tasked by the station commander to visit various taxi ranks in the area to address some of the issues that have been raised.
One of the issues raised was the crime involving taxi drivers.
“During the festive season last year, there was a robbery in the area where a taxi driver was implicated. As we approach the festive season, we felt it was necessary to meet with the various taxi associations in order for us to work together in combating crime,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
Sgt Tsotsotso said the police want taxi drivers and owners to work with the police because some of the criminals use taxis to escape after they have committed a crime. “We urged them to work with the police because we want to have a working relationship with them. Upon speaking to them, we found that they didn’t really know how to approach the police but we are hoping that going forward, they will feel comfortable to come to us when there is a need to do so. We hope that this will bridge the gap between the police and taxi drivers,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
