PICTURE: ISTOCK/TAXI
A heated fare dispute between a taxi driver and his passengers took a shocking turn when the driver was captured on video slapping a female passenger who allegedly refused to pay.
The video posted by MDNnews on X, which has since gone viral on social media, shows a chaotic scene inside the taxi as the driver demands his fare using explicit language, repeatedly saying, “Khuphani imali yam” and “Saphani mali yam” (meaning Give me my money).
Amid the tension, one female passenger appears visibly intoxicated, with one hand holding a bottle of Savanna cider in hand. The woman in question, who remains defiant throughout the argument, responds to the driver with “Awuzuyiva” (loosely meaning “You won’t get it”), escalating the already tense situation.
Following her refusal, the driver slapped her, making her challenge him with “Ndibethe” (meaning “Hit me”). Another male passenger, attempting to calm the situation, can be heard assuring the driver, “Driver, ndizakubhatala” (“Driver, I will pay you”).
Taxi driver assaults woman, accusing her of not paying the fare. pic.twitter.com/nbez5Zxy4W
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) October 30, 2024
The situation has drawn strong reactions from viewers, with many insisting that no situation justifies violence, especially against women.
One user said:
Nothing will ever justify a man beating a woman. Arrest this dog.
— MA LE BO (@Melo_Malebo) October 30, 2024
Another user echoed:
Now he’s in trouble over something that he could have avoided by taking them off simple.
— S P H E® (@Sphe____) October 30, 2024
Another added:
Unacceptable. This driver should be arrested immediately. Can’t believe this is still going on in South Africa in 2024
— ryan james (@hawXli) October 30, 2024
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