The Minister of Transport, Honourable Dipuo Peters, strongly condemns acts of violence and intimidation taking place in the Johannesburg taxi industry, affecting the Faraday, Bree and Noord streets, Randburg and Hyde Park routes.
Information currently at the disposal of the department indicates that four people were killed between the 25 and 26 February 2015, as a result of this conflict.
Minister Peters calls upon the affected taxi associations to work together towards a speedy, amicable and endurable solution to this debacle.
The MECs for Roads and Transport and Community Safety and Liaison in Gauteng together with commuters and other stakeholders should be part of the broader consultation to redress the situation.
Minister Peters draws attention to the fact that every taxi operating legally on a South African road, does so on the basis of a legal operating license issued by a Provincial Operating Licensing Board duly established to carry-out this important function.
Such a permit stipulates clearly the route/s such a taxi is permitted to operate on, therefore, every taxi must operate within the stipulations as indicated on the operating license and in compliance with the law.
The Minister commends SAPS, the Department of Community Safety and all other stakeholders who acted swiftly to restore peace and stability in the area.
Furthermore, Minister Peters calls upon the law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of this violence are brought to book as these senseless acts robs families of their loved ones, who mostly are breadwinners.
Minister Peters conveys her heartfelt condolences to the family, friend and relatives of those who lost their loved ones due to this conflict. May their soul rest in peace.
Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi
Cell: 072 566 0827
