Minibus gang attacks Dutch student

"I love this city, I love the people and I love the opportunities," says the Dutch student who was recently abducted, severely beaten and robbed by a taxi driver who still operates in the city despite being reported to the police.

Adam Hijner, a 24-year-old student from The Netherlands who has lived in Cape Town since April 2007, said yesterday that his time in the country had been a "contrasting experience", with the "stunning scenery, great atmosphere and professional opportunity" being marred by "government inefficiency and a lack of general safety, social infrastructure and public amenities".

Hijner, after months of trying to get a driver's licence appointment, has to rely on public transport.

Last month, after boarding a minibus taxi in Sea Point Main Road, Hijner was taken against his will to an alley in Woodstock, where the taxi driver, his guard and a companion robbed him of his cellphone and R600.

A "brutal" struggle ensued, with the taxi guard choking Hijner and a gun-wielding assailant repeatedly striking Hijner's face.

"I was almost immediately out of breath.

"After a few moments, I lost my strength and was pulled backwards towards the door."
Hijner said he experienced a "moment of clarity", as he blocked off the pain and tried to escape.

"The driver was punching me in the face and the third guy was going through my pockets. Eventually, I used my left leg to push myself out against a bench. I fell, losing my right shoe, still being held by the guy who was pulling my leg."

Head bleeding, face swollen, he staggered to a nearby home as the taxi sped off.

Hijner said he remembered the taxi's licence plate number and included it when laying a charge at the Cape Town Central police station.

Last week, Hijner boarded another taxi in the same area.

After recounting his ordeal, he said the taxi driver also knew of the gang.

"I was shocked to hear the licence plate number, (the driver said) the same three guys had previously raped a girl, and two months ago they had assaulted and robbed another guy, (before) running him over."

After more than a month, Hijner said he had seen the taxi and his attackers "at least six times", operating on the same route.

After repeated SMS messages to the investigating officer, Hijner has yet to get a reply.

Police could not comment by the time of going to press.