Woman raped and robbed by taxi driver

According to police, the 48-year-old was on her way from Orange Grove when she stopped a taxi on Louis Botha Avenue.

“The driver promised to take her back to her place [Yeoville] which he did not do,” said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela.

Maphakela said the suspect claimed to be lost and stopped at a petrol station to ask for directions. “He then told the victim that he needed to change taxis before taking her home and stopped again at some place to buy food. After driving around with her for some time, the suspect parked at another petrol station and said he was too drunk to drive and needed to sleep it off,” added Maphakela.

The man then allegedly raped her.

“When he was done, he claimed the victim had stolen R600 from him. She ran out of the taxi and he chased her down the road. Upon catching her, he assaulted her and forcefully took R710 cash she had,” said Maphakela.

Maphakela pleaded with women to be careful when seeking transport in the evenings. He said, “If you stop a taxi and there is only the driver or it’s only men and no other women, don’t go in. Rather wait for the next one. Please be sure not to put your life in dangerous situations.”

The suspect has not been arrested yet and investigations are underway.