Three men, aged 44, 58 and 80, have been arrested in connection with the alleged extortion of a taxi driver and 15 passengers who were forced to pay a R2,500 ransom after being stranded on the N8 highway in the Free State.
According to police, the terrifying ordeal unfolded at about 11.45pm on 25 June when the taxi was travelling from Botshabelo to Durban carrying 15 passengers, including elderly people and children.
Police said a Toyota Hilux GD6 overtook the Toyota Quantum at high speed before stopping in front of it between Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, forcing the taxi to come to a halt.
The three suspects allegedly got out of the bakkie and confronted the driver, demanding to know who had given him permission to operate on what they claimed was their route.
Despite the driver producing a valid long-distance operating permit, the suspects allegedly ordered all passengers out of the taxi and into the freezing winter night.
Police said when the driver explained he did not have any cash, one of the suspects began removing passengers’ luggage from the trailer.
Fearing for their safety in the sub-zero temperatures, the passengers pooled their money together, collecting R2,500, which was handed to the taxi driver and paid to the suspects. Only then were the victims allowed to continue with their journey.
A case of extortion was opened at Selosesha Police Station on 1 July, prompting an investigation by the Mangaung Metro DOCC East Task Team.
On Monday, 13 July, members of the unit were called in while off duty to trace the suspects. Through what police described as meticulous investigative work, the three men were tracked down and arrested between 2pm and 5pm at different locations.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Thaba Nchu Magistrate’s Court.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia condemned the incident, saying police would not allow criminal syndicates to intimidate public transport operators.
“Extortion and the intimidation of public transport operators will not be tolerated in the Free State. Forcing vulnerable citizens, including the elderly and young children, out into the freezing cold to demand a ransom is both heartless and unlawful.”
He also praised the officers involved in the arrests.
“I highly commend the members of the Mangaung Metro DOCC East Task Team, who selflessly cut their rest days short to ensure these suspects were swiftly brought to book. Their commitment sends a clear message: the law will catch up with those who try to run illegal syndicates on our roads.”
