Kraaifontein Woman Seeks Justice After Alleged Assault By Taxi Driver

Michelle Adonis Goldstone, 35, from Kraaifontein, has taken it upon herself to seek justice after she was allegedly assaulted by a taxi driver on 31 October 2024.

The incident occurred while she was traveling from Kuils River to Kraaifontein, a route she took daily. As they approached her destination, the driver, whom she had previously traveled with, abruptly turned around with her and three other passengers still in the vehicle.

Kraaifontein Attack Description

Goldstone recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “I asked him repeatedly where he was going and he ignored me. He then drove on and stopped the taxi in a quiet area, got out, opened the door, and attacked me.”

The attack took place near Bottelary Road, causing the three passengers to flee. “When he started hitting me, they jumped out of the taxi, everything happened so fast,” she told the Daily Voice.

In an attempt to defend herself, Goldstone jumped over to the driver’s seat, but the driver came around again, locked the door, and continued the assault. She then threw all the money out of the taxi, prompting the driver to pull her out and throw her bag out as well. The three passengers re-entered the van, and the driver sped off, leaving her stranded.

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Goldstone was left with significant bruising and swelling around her left eye, nose, and arms. She expressed her fear, saying, “He could’ve raped me or driven away with me and dropped my body somewhere. I was really frightened.”

Legal Action and Investigation

Goldstone has filed a charge with the police, who are still searching for the suspect. She has been actively seeking information at the taxi rank and has been issued a pointing-out note by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in case she sees the driver again. However, police did not respond to enquiries before the deadline.

Makhosandile Tumana, the public relations officer for the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), condemned the driver’s conduct. “We were not informed, but we don’t support this kind of incident in our vans; the commuters are our customers. It is unfortunate,” he said.

Tumana encouraged commuters to come forward and report errant drivers, adding, “Maybe we can come up with a solution, or we can also assist to find the perpetrator. We are extremely sorry to this person [Michelle] and we wish all the best to those with the investigation.”

Goldstone has stated that she will not travel by taxi again until the driver is arrested. “I didn’t see him again because I’m still scared [to take a taxi]. I will travel again when they get him,” she said.

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