MEC steps in to stop taxi violence

Maphumulo Taxi Association has been given a final warning before the Maphumulo rank is closed down.

MEC for transport community safety and liaison Willies Mchunu said he will act immediately if another incident of taxi violence occurs.

Addressing the community of Maphumulo at the Sabuyazi Sport ground on Friday, July 24, Mchunu said taxi ranks should be a safe environment for commuters.

“Security will be deployed by the municipality and ranks will be fenced off with only one gate, making it easy to see who enters the rank and cctv cameras will be installed,” said Mchunu.

On May 19 three taxis were burnt at the rank and a driver and a student were shot and seriously injured.

“After that incident the cabinet said I must close the ranks if they are not prepared to stop fighting,” said Mchunu.

According to Mchunu, the members of Maphumulo taxi association are divided, with one side unhappy with the leadership of the association.

After a meeting with the association the members informed Mchunu that they have started negotiations on how to compromise and work together.

“I want this to be clear, that Stanger Taxi Association and Maphumulo Taxi Association are not fighting,” said Mchunu.

South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) provincial chairperson Bhoyi Zondi said they will support any decision taken by the government toward solving the taxi violence problem.

“On behalf of the Maphumulo Association and SANTACO we are sorry for the the trouble we have caused and if one of us are found on the wrong side of the law they must be arrested and prosecuted,” said Zondi.

Although the rule has been set for Maphumulo, Mchunu was clear that other taxi accociations should not see this as an opportunity to stir up trouble in the hope of closing their rival down.

He said they will launch an investigation before they close the rank and if another association is found to be instigating the violence, they will be dealt with accordingly.