Giyani police warn against interference with GNT buses
Giyani police vow to arrest anyone disrupting Great North Transport buses after tensions with taxi operators in Dingamanzi.
LIMPOPO – Giyani Police Station commander Brig Solomon Serakwana has vowed to arrest anyone who attempts to block or interfere with the operations of the Great North Transport (GNT) buses around the Dingamanzi area, following tensions between GNT and local taxi operators.
This follows a community meeting held on Thursday in Dingamanzi village between GNT, the Department of Transport, and residents, where it was officially confirmed that GNT holds valid permits to operate on routes in and around Giyani.
Read more: GNT resumes Dingamanzi routes after permit dispute resolved
The meeting was called after a recent standoff in which taxi operators allegedly stopped passengers at gunpoint from boarding GNT buses at the Giyani bus rank.
Residents slam police inaction
“The police were there when taxi operators pointed guns at people, but they did nothing.”
The incident sparked outrage among residents, who responded by blocking the R81 road in protest, demanding that police take action against what they described as “lawlessness and intimidation” by taxi operators.
During the meeting, residents expressed frustration with what they called the police’s inaction during the standoff.
“The police were there when taxi operators pointed guns at people, but they did nothing,” one community member complained, drawing murmurs of agreement from the crowd.
Cllr Richard Mashale, speaking on behalf of the Greater Giyani Municipality (GGM), echoed the community’s concerns and urged law enforcement to protect residents who rely on the GNT service.
“We would have wanted the taxi operators to present their own operating permits in front of everyone, as GNT did, but they chose not to attend,” Mashale said.
“Now that it’s confirmed that the bus has a valid permit, we hope the threats and intimidation will end, and that the police will do their job.”
Commander warns against blockades
“We want to work together to ensure peace and stability in this community.”
Responding to the concerns, Serakwana expressed disappointment over the road blockade by the angry community but assured residents that the police would act decisively against anyone who interferes with GNT operations.
“You went ahead and closed the road at 05:00, without informing us, and that is not a good working relationship,” he told the meeting.
Serakwana also emphasised the broader consequences of road blockades, saying that such actions not only disrupt essential services but also put his own job at risk.
“When the MEC for Education gets a report that learners could not attend school, she comes to us, and I have to account for that,” he said.
The station commander assured residents that the police would engage directly with the taxi operators to prevent further conflict.
Serakwana concluded by reaffirming his commitment to maintaining law and order.
“That bus should not be disturbed while it is working. If anyone interferes with it, report the matter immediately. Do not close roads, because that disrupts many essential services. We want to work together to ensure peace and stability in this community,” he said.
