Taxi robberies on the rise
Another recent case saw the victim being abducted and held for ransom.
Brakpan police have urged taxi commuters to be vigilant following a spate of robberies on passengers.
The violent acts have all been carried out by the occupants of a white Toyota Quantum and the perpetrators are men and women.
Last week saw two robberies.
On Monday around 7.15pm, two women were attacked and robbed after boarding a white Toyota Quantum to Tsakane along Derby Avenue.
There were three men and two other women in the taxi.
As they travelled towards Springs, the victims were attacked by two of the men and the women.
They were searched and robbed of their belongings, including cellphones, a bank card, money and clothes.
The victims were forced out of the taxi in Dalview.
The following evening, around 7.30pm, another woman was attacked and robbed.
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The victim boarded a white Toyota Quantum to Langaville along the R554 (Elsburg Road), near Carnival City.
There were two men and a woman in the taxi.
After paying her fare, the driver demanded more money from the victim.
The man sitting next to her then started strangling her and threatened to kill her.
She was robbed of her shoes, jacket and money, and then told to get out of the taxi and run.
Capt Pearl van Staad, spokesperson for the Brakpan SAPS, told the Herald that another recent case saw the victim being abducted and held for ransom.
Van Staad explained the victim was taken to an informal settlement where she was locked in a shack.
The victim was unable to tell police the location of the informal settlement, but recalled the taxi travelling to KwaThema.
The perpetrator then made contact with the victim’s family and demanded money.
Families are instructed to pay the ransom via a money transfer service at a retail store.
“The victim was held until the money was paid; the perpetrators don’t care how much money and will take whatever they can get,” said van Staad.
Van Staad appealed to women not to catch taxis in town, but to rather go to the taxi rank where it is safer.
“We understand that it may be more convenient to catch a taxi in town or at the corner, but we are asking people to rather go to the taxi rank,” she said.
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“At the taxi rank there are marshals and other officials to help you.”
She explained that one of the perpetrators has been described by the victims as having bad body odour.
“The complainants reported that one of the men who sits at the back of the taxi smells absolutely terrible and they could smell him as soon as they got into the taxi,” she said.
“It’s not much to go on, but if you get into a taxi and there’s a really bad smell, rather get out,” she said.
Police are investigating, and commuters are advised to take note of the following safety tips:
• If possible, travel with other people you know.
• Avoid being the last person in the taxi, particularly at night.
• Know where you’re going.
• Avoid carrying expensive valuables.
• If you do fall victim to criminals in a taxi, stay alert.
This will enable you to identify the perpetrators and assist police.
Try and memorise the taxi’s registration number or identifying marks, such as dents or stickers.
Victims may not always get a good look at the perpetrators – and are often instructed not to look at them – but try and remember other features, such as clothing or accents.
Van Staad added that police would be bringing the issue to the attention of local taxi associations, who could also help spread awareness and keep commuters safe.
Suspicious-looking people, vehicles or activities can be reported to 10111 or to the Brakpan SAPS on 011 744 7136.
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or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za
 or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za
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