Gauteng Traffic Police turns its focus to taxi operators

A multidisciplinary law enforcement operation recently clamped down on illegal public transport operators such as taxis and patrol squads.

According to Sello Maremane, spokesperson for the Gauteng Traffic Police, scores of suspects were arrested on February 11 for road traffic violations in Benoni,

The operation was an integrated law enforcement operation with SAPS, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Department of Home Affairs and various private security companies.

“Many taxis in the area are operating without licenses and most taxi operators are illegally stopping vehicles on the pretext that they are monitoring the minibuses,” he said.

“Anyone who engages in illegal activities and impersonates the work of traffic police officers will be subjected to the rule of law and order. The illegal stopping of vehicles pose danger to the public as some may be hijacked as a result of this activity.”

During the operation, 12 vehicles were discontinued as it was found that it did not meet the necessary roadworthy requirements.

A further 11 minibus taxis were impounded for illegally operating without permits and fines of R5 500 were issued in each count, while 24 undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested during the sting.

“We will continue to conduct operations of this magnitude around the province to deal decisively with taxi operators and other road users who continuously conduct themselves with impunity,” he said.

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