Are taxis just a scourge in Fourways?

The crash on 23 June led to the death of one passanger, and another fighting for survival at Helen Joseph Hospital. Twelve others were injured in the crash.

According to Robert Mulaudz, spokesperson for Emergency Management Services, the crash is still being investigated. No criminal charges have been opened.

The taxi crash created a barrage of comments from readers on the Fourways Review Facebook page and BBM group.

On Facebook, Peter Rosema said it was a sad situation, but indicative of the way taxi drivers are allowed to get away with their own set of rules.

“JMPD are powerless and allow taxis to do as they please,” he speculated.

Starrene Stormy Stuart said, “The taxi industry is a law unto its own, we have had many taxi accidents but nothing gets done about it.”

Jeremia Piston said, “The tendency of having a clown behind the wheel is the biggest issue in Diepsloot. Those taxi drivers don’t care about passenger safety.”

But drivers aren’t the only reason behind accidents.

Brent Proctor blamed road maintenance and said, “Fix the damn Diepsloot Road.”

Alan Kennedy added that there was a problem with policing, saying many a driver simply ignores the road rules.

“Too many taxi drivers roar along this road with one arm hanging out the window,” he said.

SueGeorge Frankland took into account road-worthiness of vehicles, saying many of them were not roadworthy.

Marylyn Adamson, who lives along the R511 said, “Taxis do not care about anyone or any rules, the roads are there for them alone. My staff are terrified to use them, but as no buses are available, if they need to go into town they have to, then they sit and pray they get back safely. The road is getting fixed, but meanwhile the taxis skip between the blockades then tear up the uncompleted road, jump across the traffic lights, stop in the middle of an intersection, and push you off the road if you do not give way.”