Taxi drivers cry foul over parking in Fourways
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and other authorities removed hawkers and taxi drivers from the corner of Witkoppen Road and Winnie Mandela Drive near Fourways Mall.
JMPD officers and security personnel from the Fourways Improvement District and other authorities descended upon the corner of Witkoppen Road and Winnie Mandela Drive, at Fourways Mall on May 8, removing hawkers and taxi drivers parked in the area.
The operation, which was initiated by Ward 94 councillor David Foley, aimed to enforce law and order, maintain cleanliness and safety, and fence off the area. The action caused outrage among taxi drivers, who claimed they were being unfairly targeted.
“I don’t know where the police expect the taxis to park, because, till now, we don’t have a taxi rank in Fourways,” said Mbuzeni Maxwell Mhlongo, from the Alexandra Taxi Association.
Also read: Authorities target hawkers and taxi drivers at Witkoppen Bridge
“The rank that was provided to us by Fourways Mall is very small and cannot accommodate all our taxis, which has resulted in severe congestion. It is so crowded that one of our drivers fainted.“
Mhlongo said the parking at the Witkoppen Road bridge was accessible to people who used public transportation. “We also have car washes, and people who sell food for our taxi drivers. We don’t have a problem with moving, the problem is, where are we supposed to move to?”
Foley said he approached Fourways Mall as part of the clean-up of Ward 94, to consider fencing off the area at the corner of Witkoppen and Winnie Mandela, which was becoming a ‘mini informal settlement’.
Also read: Douglasdale community garden blooms as Informal Taxi Rank closes
“I discussed the clean-up required of the area with the MMC of Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, and he confirmed he would assist with the by-laws team when the erection of the fence had been authorised.
“Fourways Mall had the fence approved, and I was advised of the timeline for when the fence will be erected. The go-ahead was given for the fence on May 8, so I aligned the JMPD team to assist.”
Foley said the mayoral committee and JMPD building maintenance unit (BMU) director, Eldred Fortein were informed, and arrangements were made for the day.
Read more: Ward 93 residents vent frustrations over power, illegal taxi ranks, and informal settlements
Foley added that the next area to be targeted would be the corner of Winnie Mandela Drive and Fourways Boulevard, which would complete the area around the mall, ensuring a safe, clean area to shop, eat and play.
JMPD spoksperson Xolani Fihla had not responded at the time of publishing.
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