A feared ex-convict currently on parole has been accused of extorting taxi drivers in Bronkhortspruit near Pretoria and making them pay R30 for every load of passengers they pick up at the taxi rank.
The taxi drivers, who are members of the Greater Bronkhorstspruit Taxi Association, say Mphekeledi Mantsoe has been terrorising them since his release from Zonderwater Correctional Services two months ago. The association has 300 taxis and 126 members.
Sowetan last week visited the rank and witnessed two men collecting R30 from two taxi drivers who seemed reluctant to hand the money over. Mantsoe, who always walks around with armed security, is said to be working with runners who collect the money on his behalf.