Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, yesterday announced the shutting down of the Tsakane Taxi Rank with immediate effect.
This unprecedented measure follows the taxi violence in Brakpan yesterday morning that resulted in the death of four taxi drivers. Six others were injured.
While the Herald initially reported that three people were killed, it was confirmed by police that a fourth victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Read: Early morning shooting rocks Brakpan CBD
“No taxis will be allowed to operate from the Tsakane Taxi Rank and law enforcement personnel will be deployed to the affected area tonight (Wednesday),” said Vadi.
The taxi rank will remain closed until the security situation relating to the taxi industry in the area stabilises.
Vadi urged commuters in the Tsakane and Brakpan areas to make alternative transport arrangements.
“This drastic administrative measure is necessary to protect the lives of commuters and taxi drivers. It’s in the interest of public safety,” said Vadi.
He, together with the MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, condemned in the strongest possible terms the taxi killings in Brakpan.
Both Vadi and Nkosi-Malobane welcomed the arrest by the SAPS of eight people, believed to be six private security guards and two taxi owners, who are allegedly linked to the shootings.
“We are deeply saddened by these senseless killings and would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We wish those injured a speedy recovery,” said Vadi and Nkosi-Malobane.
Both MECs applauded the SAPS for their swift action in apprehending the eight suspects allegedly linked to the shootings and for confiscating the firearms.
The MECs also echoed the call by the Minister of Transport for the members of the Greater Brakpan Taxi Association to work together to find non-violent solutions to their internal challenges without endangering the lives of commuters and their members.
They reiterated the statement of Minister Blade Nzimande, who said, “It is the responsibility of the taxi industry to redeem itself and isolate all those individuals who are hell-bent to tarnish the taxi industry, which transport almost 68 per cent of the daily commuting public.”
Also read: Taxi rank shooting suspect nabbed
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