Taxi conflict should not lead to further loss of life – Transport MEC
During a series of meetings between local taxi industry representatives and the MEC last week, leaders of the SPTA said it was “unfair to paint all quarrels and deaths happening to individuals attached to the industry as taxi conflicts.”
POLOKWANE – The Seshego Polokwane Taxi Association (SPTA) has hit back at the Transport Department’s threat to shut down non-improving destabilised operations in the industry which in the past resulted in violence and even death.
Two deaths relating to the Lebowakgomo and Seshego/Polokwane taxi associations respectively were recorded in the first three months this year, as confirmed by the latest crime statistics.
Both victims were gunned down at taxi ranks where their respective taxi associations service commuters.
During the release of the provincial crime statistics last Friday by provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, Transport MEC Florence Radzilani said fear was brewing among commuters and the industry over these public murders and that taxi conflicts should not lead to further loss of life.
During a series of meetings between local taxi industry representatives and the MEC last week where this concern was brought forth for discussion, leaders of the SPTA said they told the MEC that it was “unfair to paint all quarrels and deaths happening to individuals attached to the industry as taxi conflicts”, as they try their best to prevent disagreements in their organisations.
“It could be anything really. Their statements suggest that taxi operators have no lives, except for their work. People have issues outside of work too and unfortunately others may decide to settle their scores using our industry, which clearly proves to be problematic as threats to close down our businesses are emanating,” association spokesperson, Ally Mothiba told Pokokwane Observer.
On April 15, the owner of a fleet of taxis, Bernard Phihlela (50) was gunned down at the city centre taxi rank by two men, local police spokesperson, Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba said. At the time, the association chairperson, United Nemaungani said it was difficult to say if the incident was industry related as they knew of no grievances brought forth.
Read more: Cops seek info on Seshego taxi owner’s murder suspects
Phihlela’s brother was, however, also gunned down – in 2020 – in what then police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said was a result of an apparent quarrel among taxi operators at the Ext 71 taxi rank.
Meanwhile, National Taxi Alliance Limpopo chairperson, Frans Kgasago said they were not too worried about violence among their members.
“The minute we see you becoming violent, we kick you out”. He however, expressed support for the department’s request for calm in the industry and its preparedness to close the industry down, if failure to stabilise its members against acts of violence continues.
“It is understandable why. We deal with people’s lives and we need a united front at least,” he remarked.
