Manenberg police have threatened to hold gang leaders accountable if the extortion of taxi
drivers in the precinct does not stop.
on Wednesday a large contingent of police patrolled various taxi stops in the area following reports of skollies demanding protection money from drivers.
Police station commander, Brigadier Enolium Joseph, says while the practice of “taxing taxi drivers” has been around for years, skollies are now causing mayhem making it unsafe for drivers, gaatjies and commuters.
He says taxis travelling along Manenberg Avenue are hit the hardest as they pass through four gang territories and can get “taxed” up to four times in just one trip.
“They have to pass the Dixie Boys, Clever Kidz, Americans and then the HLs (Hard Livings) who demand R150 to R200 each time,” says Joseph.
“When drivers refuse to give money the drivers are often threatened with life and limb, putting the commuters in harm’s way.”
A 50-year-old taxi driver, who asked not to be named, says he fears for his life each day.
“When you are driving they will come in a big group of seven to eight men and threaten you for money. They will stand and block the road so you cannot move and you are forced to pay them or they attack you,” he says.
“There have been incidents in the past where they rob or attack drivers with guns.”
The driver says they are too scared to open cases against the skollies.
“If you do that you might as well park your van because you will be a target. We are all bang.
“When there is a gang funeral, like today (Wednesday), they will just jump in your van and demand that you drive their people.”
During the operation, officers stood guard at various hotspots to deter skollies and handed out anti-crime pamphlets.
Joseph says police will not allow gangs to take them for a ride and plan to tackle gang bosses.
He says commuters are often left stranded and have to walk to other parts of the precinct to make alternate transport arrangements.
“This is a criminal offence. If this practice does not stop we will open up a criminal charge and hold gang leaders accountable for their members that are extorting money from taxi drivers,” he says.
Anyone with information regarding any criminal offences involving taxis can call Captain Adams on
082 379 1636.