The Democratic Alliance (DA) is surprised that KZN MEC for Transport Mr Mxolisi Kaunda took the extraordinary step on September 19 of issuing a provincial notice banning some taxi operators in Ladysmith and surrounding areas from providing crucial transport services for commuters.
According to Alf Lees MP, the banning of some taxi operators on the basis that the various taxi operators have failed “to find an amicable resolution and / or commitment to peaceful and lawful operations…” is clearly an admission by MEC Kaunda that the South African Police Service has failed to bring the taxi violence under control and to arrest, charge and ensure criminal convictions of those involved in the taxi violence.
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He goes on to say that the failure of ANC MEC Kaunda in his role as the MEC responsible for transport and community safety, as well as the failure of the South African Police Service to stop the taxi violence and to ensure those guilty of the violence are arrested and convicted, is a serious indictment on the ANC government in KZN.
“Ultimately, it is the commuters in Alfred Duma Municipality who suffer the consequences of taxi violence and the banning of taxi operations while those guilty of violence seem to escape any consequences for their savagery.”
Alf Lees has written to the National Minister of Police to request information about what action the South African Police Service has taken to stop the taxi violence and to request that he get directly involved to ensure that anyone who has been in any way involved in the taxi violence is arrested and charged.
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