Taxi association probed for alleged extortion

A PIETERMARITZBURG man has opened a case of extortion against the Northern Suburbs Taxi Association (NSTA) after it allegedly impounded his vehicle and charged him R2000 for its release.

The association claimed he was operating an illegal taxi, when he was only picking up relatives, he said.

Satish Gopie, 44, of Northdale, referred to those who run the association as being bullies.

“They had no right or authority to do what they did, but they did it anyway. This is a huge issue in the area and other drivers are also affected,” he claimed

“It’s about time the police do something about this. To fork out R2000 to an association, which is not even part of the city’s law enforcement, is unacceptable. They are using the association as a front to rob people.”

He said his family had called him and wanted him to pick them up from Chota Motala Road in Raisethorpe.

“They were putting the shopping bags into the boot when some of the association’s members approached with security guards. They accused me of operating an illegal taxi, loading on their route and poaching their customers.

“They told me they were impounding my VW Polo Vivo and the security guard took the key away from me.”

His car, he said, was taken to a private residence in Northdale, which is allegedly where the association is based.

“I opened a case of extortion at the police station and had to borrow R2000 to get my car back. I had to go to its offices and without question, they gave me my car.”

The spokesperson for the NSTA, Venesh Kistensamy, declined to comment.

Police spokesperson Captain Gay Ebrahim confirmed a case of extortion was under investigation.