Local taxi driver’s battle for clean streets
A local taxi driver says when he lost his brother two years ago to drug addiction, he swore to fight the availability of drugs on the streets even if it meant putting his own life in danger.
POLOKWANE – The man, who opted to remain anonymous, says he was born into a family of six sisters and two brothers, but when drug abuse and addiction took his brother’s life, he vowed to ensure there is intervention available for drug addicts in Polokwane.
“My brother was a smart child, he was supposed to help me take care of our family but instead he got hooked on nyaope. “We have tried everything we could, even going to the point of getting him admitted to a rehabilitation centre twice, but whenever he felt fine, he would come back home and find himself hooked once again. This was a torturous cycle that tore my family apart.”
As part of the man’s affiliation to the Central Business District Association, he and drivers from various associations have taken to the streets to fight the brave fight against drugs. A week ago, a taxi driver was shot during a patrol at the hitchhiking spot.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the incident saying the suspect who shot the driver fled to Mokopane and has since been apprehended. The taxi driver says their priority has shifted to hitchhiking spots, where nyaope addicts help residents hitchhike in exchange for cash.
“Not only does this take our customers away from the taxi rank but it also fuels drug addiction. When commuters opt to hitchhike, we are left with empty taxis and we struggle to reach our daily targets. On top of that, the money given to them gets them the drugs they need. “Even if it’s just R5 or R10 at the end of that day, that addict has enough money for a few hits.”
He says they understand why commuters opt to hitchhike as this is cheaper, but approaching the taxi associations can resolve the matter and get them home safely.
Frans Kgasago, spokesperson for the National Taxi Alliance in Limpopo previously told Polokwane Observer that commuters can approach their local associations if they are short on taxi fare. On average, they have seven people daily who they assist.
“For me the main issue is the drugs, these boys will say anything to get money. They even go to the point of harassing residents and forcing them to pay them for helping to get a car. Sometimes they forcefully take the luggage of residents and demand money in exchange.”
He has urged residents to take the safer option and take a legit form of transport as this feeds families and opens a gap between addicts and the drugs they seek to buy.
