Three taxi men apprehended

THREE suspects believed to be members of the Mtubatuba Taxi Association who are facing charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, theft and malicious injury to property, are expected to appear in the Mtubatuba Magistrate’s Court on Monday for bail applications.

It is alleged that on Monday afternoon a motorist, Dumisani Mbuyazi (44), was driving from Mtubatuba to the Nkundusi area.

At Nkodibe on the N2 he noticed a vehicle with Mtubatuba Taxi Association branding on, flicking its lights at him.

‘When I pulled off the road they approached me and pulled out the car keys from the ignition and forced me out of the car.

‘They accused me of taking their customers at the taxi rank and when they realised that I was driving alone in my car, they changed their story and said they have been looking for me.

‘They assaulted me with sticks and kicked me all over my body,’ he said.

Mbuyazi’s ordeal did not end there, as he also claimed that his attackers damaged his car’s engine.

‘They opened my bonnet and poured sugar inside my engine, mixing it with the oil. After that they started the engine and revved it until it stopped working,’ said Mbuyazi.

Mtubatuba police spokesman, Captain Justice Hlabisa, said three suspects were arrested and appeared in court on Tuesday.