Concerns about lawlessness on Midrand’s roads resurfaced after a ward councillor witnessed taxi association members allegedly confronting and intimidating a private motorist near the Kyalami Racetrack.
According to Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe, the incident occurred on October 28 along the R55, when she saw individuals in a marked Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand, and Sandton Taxi Association (Armsta) vehicle pull over a private car carrying five people.
“A taxi boss [and colleague], driving his official vehicle, stopped another car carrying five people. They confronted and began to intimidate the occupants of the stopped car,” said Deppe.
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“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 learned that the reason for the confrontation was an unfounded accusation by the inspectors about the driver transporting multiple passengers, which is not illegal.
“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.”
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 were not sanctioned by the council.
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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.
“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 public relations officer, Tladi Lepolesa, said they would investigate the incident and respond in due course. 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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