Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has welcomed the latest enforcement results of the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), highlighting that sustained law enforcement operations remain critical to improving compliance, combating lawlessness, and protecting road users across the province.

The GTI, in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), conducted high-impact stop-and-search operations across major metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng as part of the #RemoveSkorokoro campaign.

According to the department, the operations conducted between August 10 and 16 focused on high-risk public transport corridors, with particular attention given to roadworthiness, valid documentation, driver compliance and adherence to traffic and public transport legislation.

The department stated that during the week-long operations, eleven minibuses were discontinued after being found to be unroadworthy and posing a safety risk to passengers and other road users.

The department shared that the operations further resulted in 16 discontinuation notices being issued across the province.

These comprised one in Ekurhuleni, one in Tshwane, eight in Johannesburg, two in Sebokeng and four in Mogale City.

The department said that the Inspectorate also identified widespread non-compliance among minibus taxi operators.

“A total of 46 minibuses were found operating without valid licence discs, while 49 minibus taxi drivers were found operating without valid driving licences.

“The enforcement operations also resulted in one arrest for bribery, demonstrating the Inspectorate’s commitment to addressing not only traffic violations but also criminal conduct encountered during enforcement activities,” said the roads department.

To strengthen compliance and accountability, the department noted that the GTI officers issued 544 handwritten AARTO infringement notices during the reporting period.

These comprised 43 in Tshwane, 281 in Johannesburg, 27 in Ekurhuleni, 110 in Sebokeng and 83 in Mogale City.

The department added that 716 electronic infringement notices were processed through the inspectorate’s e-Force devices.

These included 33 in Tshwane, 342 in Johannesburg, six in Ekurhuleni, 183 in Mogale City and 152 in Sebokeng.

The department expressed that the latest results are part of its ongoing efforts to ensure motorists and public transport operators comply with road traffic legislation and that unsafe vehicles and unlicensed drivers are removed from public roads.

Commenting on the latest enforcement results, Diale-Tlabela said the figures demonstrate the importance of sustained enforcement in protecting passengers and other road users.

“Every unsafe vehicle removed from our roads represents a potential tragedy prevented. Our message is clear: compliance is not optional.

“Public transport operators have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and that drivers are competent and licensed. We will continue to enforce the law as safety of every passenger and road user is a major priority,” said Diale-Tlabela.

On the issue of drivers without driving licences, the MEC has intensified efforts to engage the taxi industry to ultimately stop this practice. She added this undermines road safety efforts and reiterated that only competent (licensed) drivers should be operating on public roads.

She indicated the latest enforcement results reinforce the Department’s commitment to restoring discipline and strengthening compliance across the province’s roads.

“Our #RemoveSkorokoro campaign is about changing behaviour and creating a culture of compliance.

“We are not only issuing notices; we identify unsafe vehicles, deal with unlicensed drivers and take action where required. Rest assured that these operations will continue and where non-compliance is found, enforcement action will follow. We will not compromise on road safety,” warned the MEC.

The department said that the GTI, in collaboration with officers from the RTMC and other law enforcement agencies, will continue to intensify enforcement operations, improve compliance and contribute towards safer roads and public transport systems in the province.