Nyaope users' reign of terror prompts Benoni taxi drivers to rally and combat crime

BENONI - The scourge of drug-related crimes and homelessness in the Benoni area has prompted an unusual group in that community to join in the fight against crime.

Beating the stereotype of being violent lawbreakers, taxi drivers have taken up the role of law enforcers.

Drivers in the Benoni Taxi Association say they have joined forces with local police to address the social ills that lead to crime in the area.

It's a Friday morning when word makes it to the members of the Benoni Taxi Association that a tavern owner is blasting loud music from his establishment situated, just metres from a school in the Benoni CBD.

The men take up their sjamboks, a signature tool of theirs and visit the tavern owner.

These are types of crime prevention activities members of the Benoni Taxi Association lead in the town.

One of the leaders of the association, Jerry Mosehla, says they were prompted to fight crime after seeing continued violence, especially against women.

"We were prompted by the nyaope users terrorising the people within the rank, stabbing them and taking their things. We decided to enter the town and make sure the people who are in town are here for their business, not to do crime.

"Sometimes we patrol the streets at night and in the early mornings using our own petrol because we want to protect this community."

Mosehla says the ability of police to fight crime in Benoni has been limited and that's why they offered to help community policing before handing the suspects over to law enforcement.

He says they are more than just taxi drivers who are often known for the negative but they are fathers and community members who want others around them to live in safety.