POLOKWANE – The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has issued a strong warning against acts of violence, intimidation and harassment linked to the taxi industry, stressing that such criminal behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Hadebe urged members of the public who experience taxi-related violence or harassment to report incidents to the SAPS to ensure cases are properly registered and thoroughly investigated.

She also raised concern over complainants who later withdraw cases or fail to cooperate with investigations, saying this practice weakens the criminal justice system and emboldens perpetrators.

The warning follows an incident that occurred on Sunday afternoon (December 14), on the R101 outside Mokopane. I

t is alleged that taxi patrol vehicles belonging to a local taxi association attempted to stop a Toyota Avanza.

During the confrontation, the Avanza driver allegedly fled after being attacked and knocked off the road by one of the patrol vehicles.

The Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided head-on with a Mercedes-Benz.

Three vehicles were involved in the crash.

“A male passenger travelling in the Avanza sustained minor injuries, while the two occupants of the Mercedes-Benz were also treated for minor injuries. As part of ongoing investigations, the Provincial Taxi Violence Task Team confiscated two taxi patrol vehicles believed to be linked to the incident,” his statement read.

Ledwaba added that cases of reckless and/or negligent driving as well as attempted murder have been opened.

“No arrests have been made at this stage, pending the finalisation of investigations.”

Hadebe confirmed that the task team has made progress in stabilising incidents involving the harassment of motorists by taxi patrol vehicles, particularly in the Mokopane area, where private motorists are often accused of illegally ferrying passengers.

She has since ordered an extensive investigation into all reported incidents, reiterating that the harassment of motorists and taking the law into one’s own hands will never be condoned.

“We have secured several convictions related to taxi violence, and these must serve as a deterrent,” said Hadebe.

“We will continue to deal decisively and harshly with anyone who ignores our calls to refrain from violence and harassment. While we maintain close collaboration with taxi associations, those who undermine the law will face its full might. Our officers will enforce the law without fear or favour.”