Commuter intimidation sparks fear

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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - Serious allegations of taxi-related intimidation in Thembalethu have raised alarm among residents and employers, with growing calls for urgent intervention to protect commuters and restore freedom of movement.

George Herald has received multiple complaints detailing what commuters describe as a pattern of coercion by taxi drivers and individuals linked to the taxi industry.

At the heart of the complaints are claims that commuters are being forced to use minibus taxis while alternative transport options are actively blocked.

Residents allege they are not allowed to accept lifts from colleagues, friends or neighbours, or make use of transport arranged by employers. E-hailing services such as Bolt and Uber are also reportedly prevented from entering Thembalethu.

Force used

Several commuters claim the situation has escalated beyond intimidation to outright coercion.

Individuals say they have been stopped and forcibly removed from private vehicles by people believed to be affiliated with the local taxi association, Uncedo, and instructed to use taxis instead.

One resident told George Herald that her employer had arranged transport for her, but she was threatened and forced out of the vehicle.

In another case, a commuter said she was removed from a friend's vehicle with whom she regularly took a lift and told she had no choice but to take a taxi.

Residents say these incidents form part of a broader and ongoing pattern.

e-hailing services

There are also persistent reports that e-hailing services are being specifically targeted. Taxi patrollers allegedly intimidate Uber and Bolt drivers and their passengers, refusing them permission to operate in certain areas.

George Herald has been told that similar incidents have occured not only in Thembalethu, but also in the George CBD.

Although Bolt and Uber continue to operate within the George area, they have encountered regulatory hurdles related to licensing requirements.

With limited transport options, some residents now walk out of Thembalethu to access lifts or e-hailing services in surrounding areas. This has introduced new safety risks, particularly in the early morning hours.

As winter approaches and daybreak becomes later, commuters are increasingly exposed to danger, including the risk of robbery or attack, especially when crossing the N2 bridge.

With limited transport options, some residents now walk out of Thembalethu to access lifts or e-hailing services in surrounding areas. Photos: Lizette da Silva

Fear prevents reporting

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, police say no cases have been reported. This, George Herald can confirm - all the complainants we spoke to, stated that they have not reported these incidents to the police out of fear.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said that without official complaints, investigations cannot proceed.

"According to the station commander, no incidents of this sort have been reported recently. It needs to be mentioned that as long as commuters do not report such incidents to the local police, formal investigation cannot take place," he said.

He added that sector commanders would monitor the situation and act where necessary, urging affected individuals to come forward.

"We advise commuters to report incidents related to intimidation and extortion to the local police so that proper investigation can be conducted."

'Unlicensed drivers'

Uncedo spokesperson Sihle Vuwani says they have a problem with unlicensed drivers operating in the area. "We all depend on the police and traffic authority to apply the law, but they have challenges. They are not acting against people who are operating illegally, applying the law because they can't guarantee who is just giving some a lift or who pays for a lift.

"We must also remember that anyone who transports people and receive money for it, needs a permit. If not, you are operating illegally and it is here that problems arise. We have permits. Transport is our bread and butter, it is not fair or right that illegal operators take our jobs. We want to advise the community to make use of our transport; we are permitted.

"We can't allow people to operate without permits, especially Bolt and Uber. We have a problem with that. We are frustrated because people operate without permits. They don't pay the fees we have to pay.

"I would also like to emphasise that we are not saying it is right that people out there, some of them our members, go out and block these vehicles. We again would like to advise the public to not use drivers who don't have permits. It is a problem that causes conflict," Vuwani said.