KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu has ordered a forensic investigation in a fact finding mission to uncover sources of tensions at the Mandeni/Sundumbili Taxi Association.
Mchunu announced this massive investigation today, 19 November 2012 following a meeting with the local stakeholder and the Mandeni-Sundumbili Taxi association.
Part of the investigation is to look at the profile of individual members of the association to establish their history and involvement in the industry. This will ensure that those who are perpetrating violence and instability are dealt with harshly.
This investigation seeks to also uncover those members of the taxi industry who are working with the industry of hired assassins (IziNkabi). Mchunu also announced his intension to shut down the routes operated by Mandeni-Sindumbili Taxi association. Mchunu was in Mandeni following reports of intimidations and instability among taxi operators.
It emerged during the meeting that tensions are fuelled by power struggle over the control of the association. Mchunu was accompanied by the Provincial Commissioner, General Ngobeni, the Mayor of Mandeni, Sphesihle Zulu and Santaco provincial leadership.
Mchunu expressed dismay at the impact of this instability and infighting in the taxi association, as pupils are struggling to get transport to schools. “This investigation will get to the bottom of all activities in the association. We want to also establish the industry of the hired assassins operating in this association. No one has a right to intimidate others and to threaten the lives of innocent commuters. I have placed on a government gazette my intention to shut down the route should the problem escalate. This investigation will also look at the election of the new executive committee if it was in line with the constitutional provisions of the association,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu also announced that very soon he will be meeting with the community of Mandeni to share with them his intention to shut down the route and to get views of the public on the matter.
He also recommended that Ngobeni conduct an investigation on allegations that police become “spectators” when confrontation ensued between the two conflicting factions.
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Kwanele Ncalane
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