Taxi men threaten female cops

2008-08-28 17:12

Johannesburg - A taxi owner and three of his drivers have been arrested after threatening traffic officers in Klerksdorp, North West transport officials said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Mandla Mathebula said an all-female provincial traffic officers' team was inspecting taxis in a special operation when a man driving a Nissan double cab, allegedly shouted insults at them. He was later joined by another nine men.

"He was identified as a local taxi owner, the nine were found to operate taxis illegally in the area," Mathebula said.

The situation got out of hand and the traffic officers had to call police officers to restore order.

The man and three of his taxi drivers were arrested at the scene and all nine minibus taxis belonging to him were impounded.

A joint traffic and police operation later conducted a search at Jouberton hostel, where the man and his drivers reside. Two stolen engines, other car parts and two unlicensed firearms were discovered.

The four were arrested for spearheading the altercation with the traffic officers.

They were charged with intimidation, and interference with police work. They would also face additional charges of possession of suspected stolen car parts and possession of unlicenced firearms.

The four are due to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court on Monday.

- SAPA