Most of eMalahleni’s residents make use of taxis for transport at one stage or another, but should we automatically place our trust in their drivers and our fellow passengers?
On October 7, a local woman boarded a silver taxi. She explained to the driver that she was headed in Klipfontein’s direction, and he agreed to take her there.
Suddenly, whilst driving towards Klipfontein, the taxi driver changed direction and started heading towards Landau Mine.
“I told him we were headed in the wrong direction, but at first he pretended he didn’t hear me. Eventually he told me that he wanted to pick up passengers at Landau Mine before he dropped me off.”
As the taxi passed by Landau Mine, one of the male passengers behind the local woman grabbed her from behind without warning; holding a knife to her neck and covering her mouth with his other hand. Once the woman was subdued, the taxi came to a stop.
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“I thought, today is the day I die,” the woman said
The man who was threatening her told her to hand over her cellphone and bank cards to him whilst another occupant was pointing a pistol at her.
During all of this commotion, another female passenger who is assumed to be in cahoots with the driver and the thugs, tried to stab the woman; cutting the local woman’s hand badly.
“I knew I was in trouble when the second passenger pulled out a gun… but I never expected that the woman would help them. Aren’t woman supposed to stand together?” the woman asked, tearily.
The woman handed over her valuables and was pushed out of the taxi.
At that exact moment, a van belonging to Landau Mine drove past the scene of the assault, causing the taxi to speed off, leaving the woman stranded.
eMalahleni residents are urged to be cautious aboard taxis, and to exercise caution in deciding which ones are safe to board.
