Stop and search operations carried out during the first week of February by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) led to the discontinuation of more than 100 minibuses after failing to meet basic roadworthiness requirements.

The enforcement operations were carried out across key public and scholar transport corridors in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.

Inspections revealed major mechanical defects that posed a direct threat to passenger safety and other road users. These included faulty braking systems, worn tyres, non-functioning headlights, brake lights and indicators, as well as cracked windscreens.

In addition to the discontinuations, the officers focused on non-compliant operators. This resulted in more than 500 manual infringement notices issued, while a further 667) electronic infringement notices were processed using GTI’s advanced e-Force enforcement devices. They further issued 151 discontinue notices to motorists found operating in violation of traffic regulations.

Non-compliance offences identified during the operations included:

• 108 minibus taxi operators driving without valid driving licences; and
• 52 minibuses operating without valid licence discs.

Beyond traffic-related offences, the operations also addressed broader criminal activity, resulting in 11 arrests for driving under the influence.

In her remarks, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, reiterated the province’s uncompromising stance on road safety. “We will not allow profit to be placed above people’s lives. Any vehicle that threatens the safety of our commuters or road users has no place on Gauteng roads. Our message is clear: comply or face the full might of the law”.

On discontinuation of unroadworthy vehicles, she reaffirmed that this remains critical to prevention of crashes, injuries, and fatalities, particularly within the public and scholar transport sector.

She added the operations extend to the whole of the province.