Police have identified the taxi driver who assaulted legendary singer and actress Abigail Khubeka after a road incident, leaving her with a bruised face.
Khubeka, 74, was assaulted by a taxi driver in Soweto two weeks ago. This happened after they were involved in a minor crash at a traffic circle near Orlando. The taxi driver was driving a Toyota Quantum.
Khubeka said that instead of the driver speaking with her about what had happened and settling the matter calmly, he accused her of causing the accident and hit her, and she had sustained injuries to her face.
“He said I bumped him and then he hit me,” Khubeka said.
The Generations: The Legacy star said she had opened a case at the Orlando police station and had also taken the driver’s licence plate number.
She said Roads and Transport MEC Phalama Jacob Mamabolo had sympathised with her.
“They (police) are going to track him. The MEC came yesterday to come hear my story,” Khubeka said.
She said Mamabolo had fetched her from work on Wednesday and they had gone to collect some documents at the police station and that was when they found out from the senior officers that her case had yet to be attended to.
“That is the way things are in this country,” Khubeka said.
Singer and actress Abigail Khubeka after a road rage incident involving a taxi driver in Soweto two weeks ago. Picture: BONGIWE MCHUNU/INLSA
Gauteng Transport Department spokesperson Theo Mkonki said that as soon as the MEC became aware of the matter, he had asked the officials to work with the taxi industry to help identify the taxi driver and which association he belonged to.
“Mama Abigail’s accident came as a shock. Not long ago, we had a summit to discuss the culture of violence and lawlessness associated in the taxi industry,” Mkonki said.
He added that the taxi industry had been in agreement about ending the violence.
“Our officials have been in touch with Mama Abigail to give her any support that she needs,” Mkonki said.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peter confirmed that they were investigating a case of common assault and said they had already identified the alleged culprit.
Abigail Kubheka. Picture: Supplied
“Police have been able to establish the identity of the suspect and are in search of the man, who disappeared after the incident.
"Anyone who might know his whereabouts is urged to contact Orlando police,” she said.