Taxi operators urge public to take precautions to avoid the high?crime rate ravaging the sector 

Letsatsi Selikoe 

THE Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) organisation is worried about the relentless acts of crime being perpetrated by public transport drivers against innocent passengers. 

As a result, MRTO spokesperson, Lebohang Moea, has issued a stern warning to passengers, to prioritize their safety by boarding taxis at designated bus stops across the city. 

The MRTO’s urgent appeal comes in the wake of harrowing incidents where passengers were allegedly raped by 4+1 taxi driver, Tšepo Sefako, who had just been released from prison after serving a ten-year jail sentence for similar offences. 

The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS)’s Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) wing, last Friday, urged public transport?owners to thoroughly investigate drivers before hiring them to help curb escalating sexual violence crimes. 

Mr Moea, has therefore, emphasised the pressing need for caution and vigilance when using public transportation. 

The MRTO spokesperson stressed that boarding taxis anywhere other than designated bus stops, put passengers at risk of falling prey to illegal and unregistered taxi operators. 

“It’s sad to say that some passengers board taxis anywhere, claiming there are always queues at the bus stops or are in a hurry, thus putting their lives at risk,” Mr Moea said. 

He said such attitudes not only endangered the passengers’ safety, but also compromised the integrity of the entire transport system. 

To alleviate these concerns, the MRTO has implemented measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers. 

One such measure is the deployment of Queue Marshals, also known as inspectors, at bus stops. 

These inspectors are responsible for monitoring taxi activity and maintaining records of when and where each taxi ferried passengers to. 

By boarding taxis at designated bus stops, passengers could be rest assured that they were being transported by licensed and registered operators. 

Mr Moea said taxis ferrying passengers illegally would not be traceable in cases of emergency or when problems arise. 

“Passengers should take responsibility for their own safety by using designated taxi ranks and ensuring they board licensed and registered taxis,” Mr Moea stressed. 

The recent incidents of rape have sent shockwaves throughout the transport community, raising concerns about the safety and security of public transportation. ? 

The MRTO therefore urges all passengers to take necessary precautions by boarding taxis at designated bus stops, checking the registration numbers and identification of drivers before boarding, and reporting any suspicious behaviour to authorities. 

Furthermore, Mr Moea appealed to taxi operators to prioritize passenger safety by adhering to established regulations and guidelines. 

“We urge all taxi operators to maintain high standards of professionalism and adhere to our regulations,” he said. “By doing so, we can work together to create a safer and more secure environment for all passengers.” 

In addition to these measures, the MRTO is working closely with law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for illegal activities in the transport sector. 

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who break the law are held accountable,” Mr Moea assured. 

“Passenger safety is our top priority. We cannot stress enough the importance of boarding taxis at designated bus stops and ensuring that all taxi operators adhere to our regulations.” 

“In light of recent events, it is crucial that passengers take heed of this warning and prioritize their own safety while using public transportation. By doing so, we can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone involved in the transport sector.” 

Meanwhile, last week Friday the LMPS called on taxi operators to vet their drivers before hiring them, as that would safeguard passengers. 

According to Woman Police Constable (WPC) Moliehi Molibola of the CGPU, it was imperative to vet potential drivers by would-be employers as some of them could be dangerous criminals. 

The LMPS issued the warning after the arrest of 36-year-old Sefako, a 4+1 cab driver from Ha-Ratjomose in Maseru, on suspicion of raping multiple passengers. 

According to WPC Malibola, one of the cases was reported to the CGPU on May 30th, 2024, by a 22-year-old woman who alleged that Sefako forcibly raped her after she had used his car to commute from work to home. 

The suspect has also been linked to another alleged rape incident of a 14-year-old girl who used his car in September 2023.? Sefako allegedly drove to a field at Ha-Abia and raped her before taking her to school. 

Sefako is accused of having committed these offences after he had just been released from jail after serving 10 years on similar offenses. ? 

MRTO Passenger Safety Regulations and Guidelines: ? 

1.??Designated Bus Stops: Passengers are urged to board taxis only at designated bus stops.

2.??Queue Marshals: The MRTO has deployed Queue Marshals, also known as inspectors, at bus stops who monitor taxi activity and maintain records of when and where each taxi ferries passengers.

3.??Registration Numbers: Taxi drivers are required to display their registration numbers, which are checked by the Queue Marshals.

4.??License and Registration: Taxi operators are required to maintain licenses and registration for their vehicles.

5.??Reporting Suspicious Behavior: Passengers are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior or incidents to the authorities.