“Senseless violence this Sunday causes outrage in the main tourist area of Sal Island”
The Caboverde24.info newsroom received an exclusive video on Sunday, sent by a tourist who was near the scene and witnessed moments of pure violence and tension at the entrance to the city of Santa Maria, on Sal Island. The images, recorded on the afternoon of Sunday, February 22, captured the moment when, near the roundabout at the entrance to the city, a taxi driver violently assaulted a woman and a young man, both foreign citizens who are on vacation on the island.
For ethical reasons and out of respect for the dignity of the victims, our editorial team decided not to publish the video in its entirety. However, the scenes are unmistakably brutal: the video shows the taxi driver repeatedly punching and shoving the woman and the young man. You can see the moment when the woman is thrown to the ground and the attacker continues his physical assault, while the victims try, in panic, to dodge the blows and seek refuge. The sound of cries for help and the victims' tears in the video illustrate a scene of terror in the middle of the street.
History of conflicts and exorbitant tariffs
For some time now, our editorial office has received numerous complaints from residents and tourists who lament recurring conflicts with some professionals in the sector. The main focus of the complaints is the payment for rides. According to reports, some taxi drivers are charging exorbitant prices, deliberately ignoring the legally established municipal fares. This lack of rigor in complying with the official rates has created a climate of mistrust and verbal confrontations that can escalate into unacceptable physical aggression.
The taxi sector in Santa Maria is fundamental to tourist mobility on the island. Most professionals are exemplary citizens who work hard to maintain the image of "Morabeza." However, the conduct of a minority who impose arbitrary prices and resort to physical violence seriously tarnishes the entire class. At a time when Cape Verde is in the international spotlight due to the Cabo Sighela project, the need for professionalism is absolute. It is imperative that municipal authorities intervene to ensure that fixed rates are respected.
Community impact and safety
The attack on tourists at the entrance to the city is seen as a serious blow to the image of the "Island of Happiness." In the current context of global exposure, safety and transparency in services are the non-negotiable pillars that sustain tourism in Sal. Incidents of this nature require tighter supervision and exemplary sanctions, including the possible revocation of licenses for those who use violence. The trust of those who visit us—and the success of the major investments underway—cannot be undermined by criminal behavior.
To date, an official response from law enforcement authorities regarding the measures taken against the identified driver is still pending.
Caboverde24.info
Source: Video sent by Witness and Complaints to the Editorial Office
Editorial Note: Caboverde24.info has chosen to preserve the integrity of the victims by describing the facts to inform the public without exposing their suffering visually. We reiterate that hospitality is our greatest asset.
3 Responses
In other countries, taxis are required to display their prices in several places—on windows, clearly visible from outside, and inside. That is the professional way of showing the legal agreement that it is to sit in and order a destination. My second job has been to drive a taxi for many years. This legal practice is the natural way to create trust between customer and driver.
https://professionals.visitstockholm.com/sv/vardskap-stockholm/baskunskap/taxi-i-stockholm/
Vê-se logo que vocês não são uma fonte de noticias crediveis. Claramente não é isso que se vê no video. Vê-se uma confusão sem qualquer enquadramento em que 4 estrangeiros estão e um caboverdeano, o taxista estão em conflito. Não sabemos da razão e nem vimos o video desde o inicio.
Por iss tratem de averiguar e reunir provas suficientes, ou se tiverem, que as apresentem pois estas imagens e o video não permitem tirar nenhuma conclusão.
E eu sendo o taxista, se de facto, estiver dentro da minha razão, processaria-vos por calunia e difamação. Quando não se sabe o que aconteceu, deve-se manter em silencio e observar o desenrolar do episódio
Boa tarde. A decisão judicial de detenção dos arguidos corrobora as informações veiculadas pela imprensa e pelas autoridades que se demarcaram do comportamento do indivíduo em questão. Seja sempre bem-vindo.