Alleged call for murder and violence cannot be tolerated
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the alleged call from amaphela taxi operators in the Nyanga area to kill traffic officials. This apparent callous incitement to commit violence against law enforcement officers needs to be investigated with extreme urgency and if true, acted upon immediately.
I will immediately bring the issue to the attention of the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Arno Lamoer, and call on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to help ensure the safety of our traffic officials and to investigate these serious allegations.
The City of Cape Town was made aware of these alleged threats after a meeting was held this morning between amaphela taxi operators where they allegedly resolved to shoot/kill at least three traffic officials during the course of today. This is in response to increased operations by traffic officials in the area that has resulted in a number of amaphela taxis being impounded and fines issued for various offences.
The Western Cape Government views this matter in a very serious light and the Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works is convening a multi-stakeholder meeting including the Western Cape Government, SAPS and taxi representatives to address these threats and ensure the safety of our traffic officials.
The Provincial Department of Transport and Public Works have been assisting amaphela taxi operators over the past few years to ensure that their vehicles are operating legally and within existing requirements and regulations. However, if taxi operators are caught breaking the law and flouting traffic regulations they need to be brought to book.
We call on any members of the public with any information regarding threats or planned attacks against traffic officials to immediately report this to their closest police station. We must send a clear message to criminals that their violent acts, particularly when these are targeted at law enforcement officers, will not be tolerated and they will face the full might of the law.
Media enquiries:
Spokesperson for Minister Plato
Ewald Botha
Cell: 079 694 1113
