“After due consultation with relevant stakeholders, we are working on developing a package of interventions so as to bring an end to taxi violence in Nongoma,” said Willies Mchunu, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison.
Mchunu said he has convened a meeting planned for Tuesday, 3 November 2009, with all taxi operators in the Nongoma affected area. The purpose of the meeting, according to the MEC, “is to solicit views as to how to bring an end to the ongoing senseless killing spree.”
At least 25 people have been killed since the advent of taxi violence a few years ago.
“The taxi industry is an important pillar of our integrated transport system, and the single largest transporter of the poorest of the poor. We want this industry to thrive. However it won’t thrive while the law of the jungle is the order of business. Anarchy must come to an end. It has no place in business operations,” Mchunu added.
He revealed that since the latest killing of a taxi operator, an extra deployment of police was sent to Nongoma to monitor the situation. He said other measures will be announced after listening to voices on the ground.
“I will then apply my mind, and announce all elements of the intervention package immediately after the said meeting.”
Media contact:
Bhekisisa Mncube
Cell: 079 699 5755
Issued by: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
29 October 2009
Source: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za/)
