Maseru, Aug.19–Roma Taxi Association Chairperson Mr. Letsie Lerotholi says it is not true that they attack private vehicle owners and are linked to South African taxi disputes.
This he said following accusations that the transport operators attack and order private motorists to have not more than one passenger.
He explained that it is unfortunate that their operation which started in June and is continuing across the routes under Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) is now being associated with taxi riots in South Africa which only began last week.
He said this is the propaganda spread by a particular person whom he said they discovered that he was using his private vehicle to ferry people from Roma to Morija and Maseru Mall for issuance of identity documents on charge of M100 per person for transport.
He said since their operation includes the police, as operators they took that person to the police where he promised to refrain from that as he was made aware that it is illegal.
The operation which Transport Operators together with Police have embarked on is intended to root out illegal taxis commonly called “catch-a-ride”.
On the other hand, Mr. Sipho Ramalitse, an alleged victim of the attack, told the Agency that as a Community Counselor, his intention is to help community members to get to the services on time.
“I was only helping people to access services and they would in turn pour petrol for me”, he said.
He said the matter was resolved by the police who told him this was illegal saying he thereafter refrained from. However he added that he was attacked recently while traveling with his in-law as they were not convinced that was not a passenger but a family member.
Earlier, Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) Deputy Chairperson Mr. Teboho Kahlolo had said the operation is intended to block and eradicate illegal taxis and catch rides which he said have badly destroyed the industry.
He said they are focusing on routes within Maseru as well as rural Maseru saying they will have points in different areas such as Thetsane, Agric College, Masianokeng, Ha Makhalanyane, St. Michael’s, Morija, Ha Moruthoane and Ha Foso to mention a few.
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