Traumatic’ trend: Ransom kidnappings in taxis on the Rise in Matjhabeng

In recent weeks, Matjhabeng has become the epicenter of a troubling trend involving violent crime and sexual assault connected to taxis. Reports of two separate incidents in Thabong and Odendaalsrus highlight a disturbing pattern of abductions and rape, underscoring the urgent need for heightened awareness and action within the community.

Earlier this month, on August 3, a horrifying incident unfolded in Thabong, Welkom involving an 18-year-old girl who was raped after being abducted by a taxi driver.

The victim had initially hailed a taxi at the U-Save grocery store to travel to the Cell C container in Thabong. The taxi was initially occupied by two girls and an elderly woman, who were safely dropped off at their destinations.

Unpacking this tragic incident to Kasi Voice News, Lejweleputswa police spokesperson captain Stephen Thakeng said, the victim was forcibly restrained with a cloth over her mouth to muffle her screams and was raped by the two men while the driver held her down: “The girl was put a cloth and fingers in her mouth not to scream for help and she was raped while the two were holding her hands.”

“After the rape ordeal, she was forced inside the boot while half naked, dizzy and injected with a needle on her buttocks,” Thakeng added.

The victim was later discovered by two couples who found her abandoned on the street next to Thubelisha Car Wash. They took her to the police station where a rape case was filed.

The vehicle involved was a navy blue Toyota Tazz, and the driver is described as light in complexion.

Thakeng says the police are urging residents to be cautious when using taxis and to opt for those with proper identification.

“Detective Sergeant Fonya of the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit is leading the investigation and can be contacted at 071 032 2512 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111,” said Thakeng.

Woman drugged and assaulted in Odendaalsrus

Just two days after the Thabong incident, a 25-year-old woman from K5 Section of Kutloanong faced a similar nightmare in Odendaalsrus.

Thakeng says the woman was with her ex-boyfriend at the Block 5 Section taxi rank when she boarded a white Hyundai taxi to travel home.

“The driver initially claimed he needed to pick up his girlfriend, but instead took an unexpected route towards Welkom.

During the journey, the driver became aggressive when the woman questioned the detour and forced her to inhale a cloth soaked with a noxious substance,” Thakeng reveals.

It is alleged that the taxi eventually stopped beside the road next to Harcos Farm, where the woman was pushed out of the vehicle.

“She lost consciousness, and when she awoke, she discovered that her clothes were torn and that she had been raped,” Thakeng said.

The victim was restrained with a cloth and forced to remain silent while she was raped by the two men, with the driver holding her down.

“After the assault, she was forcibly placed in the boot of the taxi, left half-naked, and injected with a needle. She was abandoned on the street near Thubelisha Car Wash, where two couples discovered her and promptly transported her to the police station,” Thakeng told Kasi Voice News.

The taxi involved is described as a navy blue Toyota Tazz, with the driver being light-skinned.

The police have registered a case of rape and are actively searching for the suspects.

Detective Sergeant Fonya of the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit is leading the investigation.

Residents are advised to exercise caution when using taxis and to ensure they use properly marked vehicles.

Information can be reported to Detective Sergeant Fonya at 071 032 2512 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

The recent increase in these violent crimes has prompted a call to action from both community leaders and law enforcement. The following safety measures are advised for residents:

• Verify Taxi Identification: Use taxis with visible and official markings. Avoid unmarked or suspicious vehicles.
• Question Unexpected Routes: If a driver deviates from the expected route without clear reasons, consider exiting the vehicle or taking safety precautions.
• Reject Unknown Substances: Do not accept drinks or substances from strangers. Be wary of any attempts to incapacitate.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately report any unusual or suspicious behavior to the police.