Contexts, triggers and socio-economic effects of security threats in the Lesotho taxi industry

Security threats, experienced by taxi drivers in Lesotho, do not just occur randomly, but they are triggered by certain factors, such as the environment. These security threats affect taxi drivers in various ways, including financially and physically. This study used the perspectives of the taxi drivers to assess the socio-economic effects of security threats in Lesotho’s taxi industry. The study is anchored on Lifestyle Theory, which suggests that individual lifestyles can influence their risk of victimization. Using a qualitative approach, facilitated by purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques, the study successfully captured the lived experiences of taxi drivers in Lesotho, unveiling the various dimensions of security threats the drivers encounter in the country. The study revealed from a seasonal dimension that security threats, besides political riots and political campaigns, are encountered mostly in winter. Equally, they are encountered at taxi ranks and in isolated areas in terms of location and hotspots. The findings reflect that these threats affect taxi drivers physically, mentally, and financially. They further show that taxi drivers use positive coping mechanisms, such as seeking support, and negative coping mechanisms, including substance abuse and route avoidance, to limit the psycho-physical effects of these threats. In the light of the above observations, the study suggests that the responsible government agencies should be innovative in fighting security threats, experienced by long-distance and short-distance taxi drivers.