By Staff Reporter
Lower Crossroads residents experienced a much-needed respite over the weekend, thanks to the actions of taxi drivers at the Nyanga taxi rank.
Last Wednesday, these drivers took matters into their own hands and confronted seven men who had been involved in robbing passengers.
A community member, who requested anonymity, expressed their gratitude, saying: “The taxi drivers did a good job, after months of us staying indoors because of the abuse from these people. We had a peaceful weekend with no one terrorising us.”
The confrontation between the taxi drivers and the young men turned tragic, with two of the men, aged 23 and 26, losing their lives.
Others are still fighting for their lives in hospital, having also endured forced consumption of acid.
According to residents, the men had a history of robbing community members while drinking Russian Bear vodka.
“They thought they were the bosses of this area because we feared them,” said a resident.
“But they didn’t know that there are people who don’t fear them. The taxi drivers did a good job. I would be shocked if they get arrested over this. They saved us.”
Avanza drivers, too, experienced a weekend free from the threat of robbery.
“If those people were still roaming the streets, many drivers and passengers would have been robbed over the weekend. We have always been their targets especially towards the end of the month. If they were out there, they would have robbed those who got paid. We were constantly worried about our money because of them.”
The driver expressed determination to continue teaching the criminals a lesson, saying, “What happened is only the start. We are tired of working for them. Some of them should be at school but instead, they are robbing us and the passengers.”
Lower Crossroads residents, relieved by the weekend’s tranquillity, are hopeful that this incident will serve as a turning point in their community’s battle against crime.
Pictured above: Lower Crossroads residents had a peaceful weekend following the assault of seven males at the Nyanga taxi rank
Image source: Buziwe Nocuze
