Taxi drivers fear being robbed

ANausori taxi driver, who is the sole breadwinner for his family, is disheartened he cannot drive a taxi like before.

Ravee Kumar, 42, has been driving a taxi for the past 14 years and has never felt unsafe. But in recent times, that has changed.

He said he had been robbed and threatened which has made him fear to work till late hours.

“In February this year, I was threatened in Nausori Town that I would be killed and thrown away, this made me stop working till late hours.”

He said on numerous occasions, passengers get off the taxi and ran away without paying.

“A few passengers tried to rob me in an isolated area. I realised what they were trying to do so I chose to stop in front of the houses and got off quickly, and they just got off and ran away.”

Mr Kumar said his only motivation to drive a taxi everyday was his family.

“I start driving at 6am and stop by 7pm so I can be safe with my family,” he said.

The Taxi Association’s general secretary Ashwin Lal said these robberies have caused many drivers to finish work early.

Mr Lal said most of these incidents involve the younger generation.

He said more patrol officers are needed not only in town but in all areas.

According to Police, 16 reports for taxi theft and assault cases were received in the months of April and May. Out of this, 13 were from the Southern Division and three from the Western Division.

Chief Operations Officer ACP Abdul Khan said a meeting would be held with the association members.

If they don’t feel safe to drive to their nearest community post or station they can call the Police Emergency line 917.