KZN police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has warned taxi operators against road intimidation amid escalating tensions between rival associations in KwaDukuza.

Mkhwanazi addressed taxi leaders during a meeting at the Ntshawini Community Hall on Saturday. The meeting brought together police leadership, industry representatives and taxi owners in an effort to resolve long-standing disputes between the KwaDukuza Taxi Association and the KwaMaphumulo Taxi Association.

The intervention follows a violent confrontation last Friday along Doesburg Road, on the outskirts of KwaDukuza town near Lindelani township. Although no injuries were reported, two vehicles were shot at and nearby homes were struck by stray bullets. Police recovered more than 50 spent cartridges and confiscated over 20 firearms from two security companies contracted to guard members of the rival groups.

Mkhwanazi delivered a blunt message, warning that intimidation on public roads would not be tolerated.

“A person who wants to take a lift will take a lift. If they want to take a taxi, they will take a taxi. If they want to take a bus, they will take a bus. It is not for you to decide how someone must travel,” he said.

He warned that taxi operators or security personnel who stop vehicles or force commuters to use taxis could face arrest.

“If I hear that an association is stopping cars and telling people how to travel, I will arrest those responsible,” he said.

Mkhwanazi added that security firms involved in such activities could face action from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, including the revocation of licences.

“If a taxi driver does that, they are acting on behalf of the association. We will shut down that association and those taxis will not operate.”

Tensions between operators from KwaDukuza and KwaMaphumulo have persisted for decades, largely over routes linking rural areas with KwaDukuza. The rivalry, which dates back more than 40 years, has previously led to violence, road disruptions and the deaths of more than 30 people.

A 2021 Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling upheld an earlier arbitration allowing KwaMaphumulo operators to run certain routes and share the KwaDukuza taxi rank, dismissing an appeal by the KwaDukuza association.

Mkhwanazi stressed that public roads cannot be controlled by private interests.

“Challenge the government and you will see the power it has,” he said.

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