Taxi Group Condemns Thugs, Robbery
The Fiji Taxi Association has condemned an attack on one of its members who was a victim of robbery; he was assaulted and was dumped in Namosi last week Thursday.
Taxi operator/driver Altaf Khan, 50, of Nakurakura, Nadi was dumped five kilometres along the Namosi Road after a man hired his taxi from the Nadi bus stand.
Association general secretary Ashwin Lal said: “This is a very serious case involving our member and we pray and keep our fingers crossed for his quick recovery.
“He is fortunate to be alive.”
Mr Khan has been driving a taxi since 1991.
According to Mr Khan, he was hired by a man from the Nadi Bus Stand to pick bags of cassava from Vatutu to be taken to Nawaka.
Along the way, three more men were picked up and all went to a secluded place in upper Vatutu area. Mr Altaab claims there was a scuffle and he was overpowered.
“They tied my feet and legs and placed the seat cover over my head,” he said.
“I gave them money; my bank cards yet they said they needed me to be taken with them. ”
He said the four men told him they were going to Ba, but ended up in Namosi.
“They dumped me some five kilometres into Namosi Road; they dragged me out of my taxi and tied me to the root of an Ivi tree just near the creek..”
The father of five children freed himself and walked towards Wainadoi Police post where he met some officers on patrol. They took him to Navua Police Station.
“I thank Allah for keeping me alive,” he said.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the matter was reported to the Navua Police Station.
She said the vehicle was found at 11am last Friday at Wailoku, Suva. The association also asked the Fiji Police Force to have more Police checkpoints during the night during this festive season.