Drivers refuse to enter no-go zones

TAXI drivers fear going into parts of Philippi East and Khayelitsha because of escalating attacks and robberies of drivers and commuters.

Commuters are bearing the brunt of the escalating attacks on minibus taxis and e-hailing services as the areas have become no-go zones.

Taxis are forced to drop commuters at the police station in the areas where passengers either walk long distances to get home or take the old sedan taxis known as amaphela, or cockroaches, which still operate in these areas.

The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata), whose members operate in Philippi and Nyanga said it decided to drop off passengers close to Philippi East police station because of the risks.

“We cannot go beyond the police station as our drivers have come under attack.

“This has been going on for some time but it has become intense and now happens any time of the day.

“Drivers and passengers are seen as targets as they carry money,” said spokesperson Andile Seyamo.

He said complaints were laid with the police, but a solution would need a collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the taxi industry and residents.

“The police cannot spend all their resources on escorting us in these areas. And these thugs also become strategic.

“When these thugs hear that there are police escorts in one area, they move to another.

“Community members know who the perpetrators are,” said Seyamo.

“These operations are being carried out by faceless people so we don’t know who is behind them.”

This week the Nyanga Cluster Community Policing Forum is expected to convene an urgent meeting on Wednesday.

Chairperson Martin Makasi said motorists driving on the WettonLansdowne Corridor which included Govan Mbeki, Symphony, Borcherds Quarry and Klipfontein roads are under severe attacks.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile told the standing committee of transport last week that a total of 233 transport related crimes were reported between April last year and March.