The ongoing illegal taxi operations at the intersection of Witkoppen Road and Winnie Mandela Drive near Fourways Mall appear to be worsening, with taxis now occupying almost the entire stretch of road and pavement in the area.

Just months after a clean-up operation led by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the Fourways Improvement District (FID), and ward councillors, taxis have not only returned; they’ve expanded their operations.

Traffic congestion in the area has worsened, while pedestrians are increasingly being forced to walk around taxis and informal traders occupying public walkways.

Read more: Fourways’ illegal taxi ranks continue to live by their own rules

Local cleaner Lovemore Robson, who regularly works in the area, said the illegal rank has expanded rapidly over recent months. “The illegal taxi rank is growing. Now it’s big, as more taxis continue parking there.”

Robson added that keeping the area clean has become increasingly difficult due to constant littering by drivers and commuters. “There is absolutely too much because the drivers and passengers are littering a lot.”

Robson also recalled witnessing a serious accident in the area caused by congestion and obstructed visibility. “One dangerous accident I saw was when a car ran over a pedestrian while taxis were obstructing the road.”

The FID, which regularly assists with cleaning and monitoring the precinct, confirmed that the organisation has been under growing pressure as the illegal operations expand.

According to Mikhaela Donaldson, FID spokesperson, dedicated 24-hour patrol teams are deployed in the area to provide security visibility and report by-law infringements to the relevant authorities. The organisation also services public bins and removes waste in the precinct.

“Our bigger clean-up activities are currently done on an ad hoc basis when funds are available, including grass cutting and waste removal. From June 1, we will also be deploying a dedicated cleaner to the area from Monday to Friday.”

Also read: Douglasdale Business and Residents Forum turns a once illegal taxi rank into a thriving garden

Donaldson noted that a major clean-up operation was conducted last year, together with JMPD, at the original taxi hotspot, where sections of land were fenced off to prevent further illegal activity.

“The operation and fencing last year were on privately owned land, with support from law enforcement. The fencing was sponsored by the property owner to enhance and protect the area around their property.”

However, she said the issue has now shifted to the opposite side of the intersection and reflects a broader transport planning problem.

“We are engaging with the relevant role players to address the other side. However, the issue is systemic due to a lack of provision and planning to address the needs of taxi operators and commuters.”

The FID warned that the growing illegal rank is negatively impacting surrounding businesses and the overall image of Fourways.

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