On Wednesday morning, the Herald was informed of another taxi violence incident in which tyres were burned and rocks were used to barricade the R28 on the way to Westonaria.
The Herald went to the scene when the unrest subsided. Kenny Mampondo, chief of the Randfontein Traffic Department, took the Herald with him to explain the reasons behind these taxi incidents.
Traffic chief Mampondo said, “This conflict is sparked by a certain group, perceived as drivers, who started illegal routes from Mohlakeng to Johannesburg, and from Mohlakeng to Krugersdorp.
These drivers are creating these routes without the consent of the Randfontein Taxi Assosiation( RATA).”
He said further that RATA is trying to engage with this group, but these talks are unsuccesfull. Some of the associations outside of Randfontein are now also engaging on the routes from Johannesburg to Randfontein and also from Krugersdorp to Randfontein. He continued by saying that as the Randontein Traffic Department, they have been engaging with the relevant law enforcement departments and the various agencies that deal with these kind of issues.
” This cannot continue,” said Mampondo. “RATA should be able to discipline its members. They should be able to address their issues without violence and inconveniencing commuters.This influences everybody, especially when they do this during peak hours in the morning and in the evening. “
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