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Port Elizabeth police are searching for a taxi driver and his conductor after a terrified female passenger who they allegedly robbed, died after jumping out of the back window of the moving vehicle.
The tragedy occurred on the M4 freeway on Wednesday afternoon after the 21-year-old deceased and her 24-year-old friend boarded the taxi in Central.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said they were the only passengers in the vehicle and at some point, during the ride, they realised that the driver had taken a different route.
She said when the women allegedly questioned the driver about why he had joined the M4 freeway, they were allegedly robbed of their personal belongings, including their handbags, money and cell phones.
“The 21-year-old female jumped to the back seat of the taxi. It is further alleged that in her traumatic state, she opened the back window and jumped from the moving taxi,” Naidu said.
She said the friend was dropped off near New Brighton and after seeking help from members of the public, the incident was reported to the police.
Naidu said there was also an accident after the driver of a bakkie who noticed the woman’s body lying in the road braked and was hit by a truck which jack-knifed.
Police are investigating a case of robbery and have opened an inquest docket in relation to the woman’s death. Her name is being withheld.
Naidu has appealed to anyone who can assist police in tracing the taxi, the driver and the conductor to urgently contact D/ Sgt Gavin Scheepers on 073 930 9272 or SAPS Mount Road on 041 394 6316 or their nearest police station.
