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Parolee allegedly demands R30 from each taxi per load — drivers live in fear
Bronkhorstspruit, Pretoria — Panic has gripped taxi drivers in Bronkhorstspruit as a feared ex-convict, recently released on parole, is accused of running an extortion ring at the town’s main taxi rank.
According to multiple drivers, the man—whose name is known to the police but cannot be revealed until he is formally charged—has allegedly been demanding R30 from every taxi for each load of passengers they pick up. Those who refuse to pay reportedly face threats, intimidation, and violence.
“He stands there all day, watching every taxi that loads. If you try to leave without paying, he stops you and makes a scene,” said one driver, visibly shaken. “Everyone here knows what he’s capable of. We’re scared because he’s not afraid of anyone.”
The situation has sparked outrage among operators and commuters alike. Some drivers have stopped using the rank altogether, fearing confrontation.
COMMUNITY IN FEAR
Residents in the area say the man’s return from prison has brought “nothing but trouble.”
“He was released not long ago, but he’s already back to his old ways,” said a local business owner who works near the rank. “He walks around like he owns the place. People are afraid to even speak against him.”
Sources within the Bronkhorstspruit Taxi Association say they are preparing to hold an emergency meeting to address the matter and seek police intervention.
“We can’t allow one man to destroy the livelihoods of hardworking drivers,” said a taxi association representative. “We want the police and parole officers to step in before someone gets hurt.”
POLICE AWARE OF ALLEGATIONS
Bronkhorstspruit SAPS spokesperson Constable Mpho Kekana confirmed that police are aware of the situation but urged victims to come forward.
“We’ve received informal complaints, but we need formal statements from the affected drivers to open a case,” Kekana said. “Extortion is a serious crime, and anyone found guilty faces severe consequences.”
The Department of Correctional Services has also been notified. A source within the department, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the matter could lead to the parolee’s return to prison if proven true.
FEAR AT THE RANK
Taxi drivers say they feel abandoned and vulnerable, as the alleged extortionist continues to roam freely.
“We’re just trying to make an honest living,” said another driver. “We can’t keep paying him every time we load passengers—it’s not right.”
For now, the bustling taxi rank remains a zone of quiet tension, with drivers glancing nervously over their shoulders—hoping for swift action before the situation turns deadly.
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📰 Vanila Babe News will continue to follow this developing story. Anyone with information can contact Bronkhorstspruit SAPS anonymously at 08600 10111.