Driver held in Nxarhuni taxi-commuter war
A TAXI driver was arrested yesterday morning after a week-long battle between taxi operators, state-owned Mayibuye TC buses and villagers of Nxarhuni near Macleantown.
Taxi operators have been accused of forcing passengers out of the buses, causing outrage amongst residents who barricaded the road into their village and burnt tyres and other rubbish to prevent both taxi drivers and buses from entering the village.
Mdantsane cluster police spokesman Captain Nkosikho Mzuku told the Daily Dispatch yesterday that an arrest had been made.
“A 29-year-old suspect was arrested for assault and intimidation following an incident that took place in Macleantown this morning.
“The suspect is due to appear in the East London Magistrate’s court tomorrow,” he said.
Nokwanda Sidana said she was traumatised by the series of incidents taking place in her community.
“Suddenly we can’t decide which mode of transport we want to take. I thought this was a free country. We have closed the road because we are tired of being bullied by the taxi drivers who think they own the roads, the routes and us as passengers,” she said.
Khwezi Funqula said it was unfortunate that only one driver was arrested when there were many harassing commuters.
“I hope that this one arrest becomes an example to the others, but in the same breath it won’t be long before they are released and back on the streets doing the same thing.
“They have no regard for even the elderly, they just demand.”
A group of taxi drivers and owners seen outside the Macleantown police station refused to comment.