Trickster taxi drivers extort money from pensioners
Some pensioners in Kanye have accused some taxi drivers of charging them more than the usual taxi special fee, following the recent increase of their monthly old age allowance. As of April 1st, government increased the Old Age Pension from P830 to P1 400.
While this was expected to improve the lives of senior citizens, many have told The Midweek Sun that it has instead attracted unscrupulous taxi drivers who now overcharge them, especially pensioners, who are not familiar with the standard fare. “They now charge P70 for a taxi special that used to cost me around P33. They know we received more money. When I argued, the particular driver told me it is the new price,” a 72-year-old elderly man of Kanye said. A 68-year-old woman, shared a similar experience.
“One evening I went to Kgwatlheng clinic. The driver told me specials now cost P50 after 7pm. I was shocked because I have never paid that much before. I ended up walking home from the clinic because I could not afford the money demanded,” she said. Meanwhile, another 75-year-old woman said she was forced to pay P60 for a short ride to the post office from Goo Sebego.
“He refused to move unless I paid. I did not want trouble, so I gave him the money. But this is wrong,” she lamented. Residents say this behaviour gets even worse in the evenings. “After 10pm, it is impossible to get a special for P33. Drivers either refuse or increase the price,” a Kanye resident said. Responding to the complaints, Kanye Taxi Services Public Relations Officer, Badirile Tlhaolang, said their office acts on reported cases.
“When a complaint is made, we bring the driver before the disciplinary committee. But most taxi specials are private agreements between two people. We are not always aware what amount was agreed on,” Tlhaolang said, but admitted that there have been cases where customers were charged more than expected.
“We have had situations where people complain, and we make drivers return the money. We are looking into these new complaints seriously, and serious action can be taken against the drivers,” he said.