Gauteng government appeals to commuters, taxi associations to obey rule of law
The Gauteng Provincial Government is appealing to commuters and taxi associations to obey the rule of law. This comes after thousands of commuters were left stranded following the withdrawal of taxi services in Mamelodi.
Taxi services were allegedly withdrawn in Mamelodi after some taxis were impounded earlier this week by the traffic police. Infringements included expired permits; invalid or no vehicle license discs and some drivers were driving without valid drivers’ licenses.
A number of taxis were on the road illegally with fraudulent operating licenses. Police also confiscated two firearms and in one instance found drugs in a taxi.
Acting Premier Barbara Creecy said the withdrawal of taxi services was unfortunate and unnecessary.
She said that government’s primary concern was for commuters to make a choice about the mode of transport they wish to use, and to do so safely.
Roads and Transport MEC Ismail Vadi confirmed that Autopax busses had to run multiple shifts to assist stranded commuters and he was grateful that this was done without any violent attacks on commuters or the busses.
He said that law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor the situation until calm prevails in the area.
He emphasised that unlawful taxi operators will not be allowed to operate and that traffic officials have to act within the parameters of the law in the interests of public and road safety.
Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane said: “We cannot sit back and allow a few disgruntled individuals within the taxi industry to hold us at ransom and compromise the safety of our citizens. Citizens must also make consumer choices without pressure from whichever quarter. Law enforcement is non-negotiable and we will continue to enforce the law until they comply.”
She said these operations will continue until Mamelodi was back to full normality.
In an effort to resolve the impasse, Premier David Makhura will be meeting the leadership of the two major taxi associations on Friday afternoon to discuss amongst other things the impounding of vehicles.
For more information contact:
Nino Zama
Tel: 011 355 6009
Cell: 083 473 6725
E-mail: nino.zama@gauteng.gov.za
