Taxi tension under control
REMBRANDT PARK - POLICE say recent taxi driver gatherings along Modderfontein Road are part of ongoing tension between rival associations, but have not resulted in any violence.
A Lombardy East resident expressed concern to the North Eastern Tribune after witnessing large groups of taxi drivers gathered on the central reservation along Modderfontein Road near Edenvale Hospital, and in the veld next to the nearby Jukskei River, on 30 September and 1 October during his daily commute.
The resident, who estimated that between 30 and 50 taxis were gathered in the area on both occasions, said he warned friends and family to avoid the area, fearing that the drivers may have been planning a strike or riot.
“We share our routes with these taxis every day and our safety and well-being is clearly at risk here,” said the resident.
However, Edenvale police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts said that while police investigated after being made aware of the gathering by several calls from residents, no reports of violence had emerged. Such gatherings are part of ongoing disagreements over routes between rival associations, said Roberts.
“As long as they don’t obstruct the roads and no incidents of violence are reported, we can’t intervene,” he said.
“We are monitoring the situation.”
A crime scene investigation along the same stretch of road, which had been reported by the same concerned resident, appears to have been part of a separate car chase and shooting incident.
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