Passengers apparently intimidated by taxi association members

Members of the Benoni Taxi Association (BTA) are not allowed to impound private vehicles or fine people because they are transporting passengers.

“Only the metro police can do that. They have no right to do that,” said Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago, EMPD spokesperson.

“Anyone can use their private vehicles to transport employees or passengers.”

An enquiry was sent to the City Times about an incident that occurred between BTA members and a group of employees from a particular company (that would like to remain anonymous).

On March 14, at about 6.30am, members of the Benoni Taxi Association are said to have stopped a Gran Max Daihatsu who were transporting employees.

The company vehicle was dropping off employees at a Caltex Garage in Barcelona, Daveyton.

The driver was apparently told by BTA members that he was not allowed to transport or carry passengers.

“They said we are taking work away from them,” an employee, who did not want to be named, said.

According to the employee, this was not the first time that this has happened.

She said they were intimidated with guns.

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The BTA members allegedly threatened to impound the car unless the driver pays a fine.

The driver was asked to pay a R200 fine before he was allowed to leave.

“They told him that he has to get a letter that gives him permission to transport passengers,” the employee said.

According to the employee, the driver went back to the BTA offices on March 16 to inquire about the letter and was told that an amount of R5 000 needed to be paid before they could issue him with such a letter.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous what they are doing,” she said.

When BTA chairperson Dumisani Ntuli was asked if members of the BTA are allowed to fine or impound private vehicles, he did not directly answer the question.

Alternatively, he said an arrangement needed to be made between the BTA members and that particular company to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

“Any complaints that people may have should be reported at the BTA offices,” said Ntuli.

The City Times spoke to the branch manager of the company who said he was shocked.

“We provide our employees with transport as an added benefit to make life a little easier and save them money because they don’t have to pay for this service,” the manager said.

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