Taxi war turns ugly – meanwhile MEC Nkosi-Malobane & MEC Vadi are condemning ill-doings
Our communities are being intimidated by criminal thugs that have infiltrated the taxi industry.
The Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association (NANDUWE) and Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) have made written submissions to the Member of the Executive Council for Transport Ismail Vadi.
These submissions come after the MEC published a notice of intent to close the routes the two associations operate under due to the recent violent battle between them.
“The MEC has received written responses and representations from affected and interested parties following his Notice of Intent to close all NANDUWE and WATA taxi ranks/routes in Soweto.
“This means that all affected taxi ranks and routes will remain operational until such time a decision has been made,” reads a statement from the Transports Department.
The conflict between the two associations has carried on despite efforts by government authorities to resolve the problem.
This measure comes after the recent shootings not so long ago in Mofolo and Dube which have resulted in there being a heavy police presence there to safeguard the area which may no longer be safe for drivers and commuters.
Clashes between the two associations have left commuter who use taxis on a daily basis fearing for their lives. The MEC lashed out on the involvement of hitmen in the industry.
“The provincial government cannot tolerate a situation where alleged hitmen have been hired to attack taxi drivers, commuters and taxi operators with impunity,” said Vadi.
“Our communities are being intimidated by criminal thugs that have infiltrated the taxi industry.
“I have discussed this matter with my cabinet colleague, MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, and we are clear that the law enforcement agencies will come down hard on those who perpetrate acts of violence in the taxi industry.”
Section 91 of National Land Transport Act allows the MEC for Transport to take extraordinary measures to curb acts of violence and normalise transport services in the affected area. The notice to stop clashing associations from operating was issued under this act.
A statement from the office of the MEC reads, “MEC Vadi is studying and considering representations from various quarters and will, in the next few days, announce his decision.”
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