This publication learnt that this operation is getting out of control; a number of residents who were retrenched from the local mines and from the department of correctional services entered the taxi industry.

The chairman of the association, Michael Sithole said they have had enough of the pirating in this township.

“There are people who are known in the community who quit their day jobs and have become taxi owners.
“They are all not registered and are operating illegally. Illegal operation also endangers commuters’ lives.
“As part of ensuring that our commuters are always safe and they are using public transport that is registered, we have introduced a patrol squad. They are monitoring all the taxis that are operating illegally,” said Sithole.

Motorists are complaining about traffic jams, especially along De Villers Street.

“When we started with the patrolling squad, we discovered that there is a high volume of the illegal taxis that are using that route which causes a traffic jam. Now we are dealing with this matter in a good manner since we are getting used to our strategies,” said Sithole.