Sebenza SAPS executive forum elected

The Sebenza SAPS Forum officially elected its executive members on May 19.

The forum was launched with various taxi associations on May 5 at the Sebenza Police Station.

The Sebenza SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Sharon Mahamba-Tsotsotso, said the aim of the forum was to act as a link between the police and the taxi associations in order to have the lines of communication open.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Kempton Park Taxi Association (KETA), the Ivory Park Taxi Association (IPTA), the Lethabong Taxi Association and the Faraday Taxi Association.

Also in attendance were the Johannesburg – Tembisa Taxi Association (JTTA), the Tata Taxi Association (TATA), the Germiston Taxi Association, the Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA), the Greater Alberton Taxi Association and the EMPD.

Sgt Tsotsotso said the launch of the forum follows a meeting held on April 14 to discuss crimes committed by taxi drivers and the overall treatment and safety of passengers.

“It was mentioned that some taxi drivers drop off their passengers in unsafe areas, where they end up being robbed or even raped. Passenger safety is very important and taxi drivers must ensure that passengers are not dropped off in unsafe areas. Customer service must come first. Some drivers do not obey the rules of the road and sometimes drive in the wrong lanes and skip traffic lights,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.

She said it was suggested that taxi owners should put tracking devices on their taxis to monitor the movement of their taxi drivers and to prevent their taxis from being used for criminal activities.