The lead story in Thursday's STAR was indeed disturbing.

According to the story, taxi men plying the route from Half-Way Tree to Price Rite, along Red Hills Road, are being taxed by thugs from every lane that is located off that route.

One taxi operator also mentioned that he was physically assaulted by one of the men and that he had to seek stitches. It is becomingly increasingly clear that extortion is becoming a very big problem in our country and it is one that needs to be sorted out very soon. No one wants to work to support someone who sits around and does nothing but stretch out his or her hand and this is exactly what these men are being forced to do.

Dangers of resistance

What is of concern, however, is the response of the police. The policeman quoted in the story was of the view that if the taxi operators come together and resist the thugs, the problems would be solved. This is not how it works and it is not as simple as that.

If these men were to openly and boldly resist the men, they would all be killed, It is as simple as that. Whether we like to believe it or not, this is the reality. The police need to take a more proactive approach and move to put an end to this oppressive behaviour instead of encouraging the men to risk their lives by being defiant.

It is clear that these thugs are not to be taken lightly and the taxi operators need the help of the police. They cannot do it alone.