MBOMBELA – A lack of space and non-association with a registered taxi organisation are causing independent operators to loiter on the corner of Nelacres shopping centre. A major consequence of this is an alleged illegal drug and alcohol trade among pupils from surrounding schools.
Representatives of the communities, who have been affected by the operators’ unlawful presence, met last Tuesday to discuss a strategy to have them removed from the premises. They came to the conclusion that they would have a sit-down with the self-proclaimed head of the independent taxis to request them to leave. If they could not agree on a solution, the representatives would call in legal assistance.
Head of the SAPS Sector 2 in Mbombela, Capt Bhekisa Shongwe, said they were aware of the operators’ possible illegal activities. “The main problem is that these transport operators are not part of any taxi association so they cannot utilise any taxi rank in town. If we force them to leave Nelacres they will just move to a different location.”
However, it is their proximity to schools and a convenient location close to a bottle store that made them pose a danger to the community.
Lowveld High School’s Mr Chris van Niekerk said the school had many problems with taxi drivers selling drugs and alcohol to pupils. “The drivers buy alcohol from the bottle store at Nelacres and sell it to the children. They also drink while waiting for them to be dismissed and then drive the children home under the influence of alcohol.”
Nelacres caretaker Mr Jan de Vos relayed that the taxi operators posed a perceived threat to shoppers. “The number of vehicles and operators are increasing and they have now moved off the grass and settled in the parking area. It makes our shoppers feel unsafe.”
Shongwe assured those present that police visibility and vigilance would be improved in the area to prevent further illegal activities.
If the representatives’ upcoming meeting with the independent taxis representative do not deliver the desired results, they will involve a legal team.
“We will write letters clearly outlining the problem,” said De Vos. “We will be persistent. We will make them go.”
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