Tshwane taxi operators shutdown crime-ridden R80 Mabopane highway

Members of the taxi industry on Tuesday afternoon shutdown the Mabopane Freeway in Tshwane following a spate of attacks on motorists.

They say the R80 highway has become a haven for brazen criminality and have called on law enforcement to take urgent action against the scourge.

Police had their hands full, trying to disperse the demonstrators, who included paramedics.

The group says it’s been the target of thugs, who pelt rocks and spikes motorists along the busy freeway.

The taxi drivers and local paramedics say they believe the attacks are the work of illegal foreign nationals— who set up camp along the dense mountain range and hide from law enforcement.

Taxi drivers say passengers are also regularly being robbed by criminals, posing as customers.

The taxi operators say they have the capacity to man the crime-ridden highway, should law enforcement fail to come to the party.

 

Tshwane motorists say they continue to live in fear as police struggle to crackdown on criminals along the R80 highway.

Motorists say violent robberies are all to familiar in the area — with several reports or rape and tense hostage situations, among the incidents taking place here.

Illegal foreign nationals, who’ve taken refuge in nearby informal settlements, have been blamed for the spate in attacks.

Michael Maleka from Tshwane’s Operation Dudula branch says police are simply afraid.

YNews also spoke with pedestrians and motorists on the sidelines of the shutdown, many of whom have bemoaned not being notified of the demonstrations.

One young women says was forced to abandon her Uber.

“It would have been a nice event had we prepared. Now, we have no alternatives.” Article by Naomi Kobbie