A tense confrontation between taxi association members and a private motorist has raised fresh concerns about road safety and intimidation tactics along the R55 near Kyalami.

Midrand Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said she witnessed the unsettling incident on October 28 while driving from Woodmead towards Kyalami, close to the Kyalami Racetrack.

“A taxi boss, driving his official vehicle, stopped another car carrying five people. They confronted and began to intimidate the occupants of the stopped car,” said Deppe.

The councillor said she immediately pulled over and intervened, questioning the individuals, believed to be Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand, and Sandton Taxi Association (Armsta) members, about their actions.

Read more: JMPD will respond to R55 reckless driving

“As a councillor committed to community safety, I felt it was imperative to intervene. I stopped my vehicle and approached the individuals, questioning them about their reasons for halting private citizens.”

Deppe said despite her inquiries, the two taxi inspectors remained silent. When she spoke to the driver of the stopped vehicle, she allegedly learned that the reason for the confrontation was an unfounded accusation about the legal transport of multiple passengers.

“The driver, a paraplegic, was utilising a specially designed vehicle,” the councillor explained. “I firmly informed those from the taxi association, identified by their clearly marked Armsta vehicle, that such intimidation and obstruction of private individuals is illegal. Should such behaviour persist, I have made it clear that I will report these incidents to [their] Armsta bosses.”

Also read: Reckless driving on the R55 a danger, says councillor

The incident comes just months after the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) publicly dismissed social media rumours suggesting it had instructed citizens not to use private vehicles or transport their families.

In mid-August this year, Santaco issued a statement labelling those reports as false and misleading after online posts circulated showing alleged confrontations between taxi drivers and motorists.

Santaco is the national representative body for the entire taxi industry in South Africa, while Armsta is a local taxi association and one of the council’s members.

Some of the viral claims alleged that taxi operators were stopping private cars, accusing them of operating illegally or of carrying family members, and that in certain provinces, parents and teachers were being prevented from transporting children to school.

The council has repeatedly emphasised that no such directive was ever issued and that such actions are not sanctioned by the council.

Meanwhile, Deppe condemned the alleged harassment, urging taxi associations to rein in members who act outside the law.

“We cannot condone taxi operators harassing private citizens on our roads,” she said. “This lawless behaviour must be addressed and halted. I urge the public to remain aware of such actions happening right in our vicinity along the R55. We must ensure our roads remain safe for all individuals, regardless of their mode of transportation.”

Armsta’s public relations officer, Tladi Lepolesa, said they will investigate the incident and respond in due course.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department was also contacted to inquire if these activities by the association members were lawful and what measures are being taken to address them. Their response will be updated as soon as they respond.

Update

JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said ​taxi association members have no legal power to stop, search, fine, or remove passengers from private vehicles on a public road.

​“Such actions are considered unlawful interference and may constitute criminal offences like intimidation, extortion and assault,” said Fihla.

​“Enforcement of transport laws is the exclusive domain of the SAPS, Metro police, and authorised traffic officers.”

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