Taxi problem involving Langaville resolved

The fight was about who has a legal right to operate in Langaville.

At first it was alleged that the parties involved in the fight were the Springs Taxi Association (STA), Greater Brakpan Taxi Association (GBTA) and Izigcebhe.

However, following a meeting held at the KwaThema Customer Care Centre on Wednesday to find a solution to the problem, peace seems to have been restored between the STA and Izigcebhe.

The meeting, which was attended by KwaThema Customer Care Centre manager, Andries Nkabinde, KwaThema police station commander Colonel Berry Mashaba, representatives from the EMPD, the STA executive members and the representatives from Izigcebhe operators continued despite the absence of representatives from the GBTA.

Explaining the problem STA chairman, Velly Mbatha says he understands that Izigcebhe are more convenient for residents of Langaville, especially when moving from one section to another.

However, they do not have legal documents which allow them to operate on those routes.

He made it clear that because the law does not allow Izigcebhe to form their own association, they operate under the STA’s wing.

Speaking on behalf of the 4+1 taxis, Zakhele Mndebele denies allegations that they wanted to form their own association.

“We do not want our own association because we understand that we operate under the STA,” says Mndebele.

An attempt to find the cause of the unrest, where Langaville residents who were using a 4+1 taxi from KwaThema to Langaville were allegedly mistreated by taxi operators forcing them to get off, was also discussed.

It therefore concluded that the taxi operators who were against the 4+1 taxis’ operation in Langaville are those who operate at the Blue Taxi rank illegally.

Before the end of the meeting, representatives from the 4+1 taxis and the STA agreed to meet and make peace between them.