By Doreen Mokgolo
For months David Chauke has been bullied and beaten up by a taxi driver — and now he fears she wants him dead!
The terrified pensioner from Tsakani in Ekurhuleni has gone into hiding after he was assaulted by the same crazed taxi driver last month.
The trouble started last June when Chauke demanded that the local taxis stop parking in front of his gate and blocking his driveway.
He said the drivers also urinated along his security fence — leaving a foul smell.
While all the other drivers apologised, one driver refused to listen. She accosted Chauke for daring to cross her, saying she would not be told where to park by a foreigner.
Then she became violent, and began beating the elderly man.
And the problems didn’t stop there. She continued to victimise him, making sure she parked in front of his driveway every opportunity she could get.
Chauke told Scrolla.Africa that it pained him to have to plead and beg with her every single day to move her vehicle.
“Since then, she insults me at every opportunity she gets, to the audience of the neighbours and drivers.”
Chauke was once beaten so badly by the woman that he had to be admitted to hospital.
“In December, she assaulted me so badly to the point that I ended up in the hospital. She further threatened that she will finish me off if we were to meet in public,” he added.
Last Wednesday, the suspect allegedly attempted to carry out her threats when she charged at a high speed in an attempt to run him over.
“I escaped by sheer luck, when she realised that she missed me, she stopped her car and assaulted me before I was rescued by other drivers and my wife.
“I am tired of living in fear that she might one day kill me. I only go out of my house at night knowing that they have knocked off and left in the early hours,” he added.
Springs Taxi Association’s Public Relations Officer, Lyric Tau, said they are investigating the matter and expect the driver in question to be called for a hearing.
“As soon as the investigation is done we will reach out to the victim with the update.
“We have visited the site and noted the challenges that the victim is facing and we will try to find alternative means to accommodate the drivers and family,” he added.
Tsakani police spokesperson Sergeant Lerato Mngomezulu confirmed that they are investigating a case of assault.
“The suspect is yet to be arrested and investigations are still underway,” she said.
Pictured above: David Chauke
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
