‘War’ erupts over territory in Govan Mbeki Municipal area

eMZINONI – Commuters labelled the local taxi association as greedy and heartless.

This came after a resident was shot and killed during the clash between commuters and the Bethal Taxi Association on Tuesday, 4 February.

Violence erupted after residents clashed with the taxi drivers over the bus operations in the area.

The dispute began on Thursday, 30 January when the taxi association stopped buses from operating in the area.

Bus commuters were left without transport to work and school the next day.

Things looked normal on Monday, 3 February, however later on buses were again prevented from entering the township.

Locals were unhappy with the taxi association and decided to go to the police station to ask for police intervention in the matter.

As they were waiting for the commuter committee to meet with the taxi association executive, the residents learned that taxis were operating in the area.

They decided to block the roads so that taxis will also not operate until the matter was settled.

The taxi drivers then allegedly fired shots and three people were wounded of whom one later died.

Commuters claimed it was heartless of the taxi drivers to fire off rounds, because no one was attacking them.

Mr Thabo Masilela, commuter, said this proves that the association does not care about the commuters.

“We were not armed, we just needed answers from the association. However, they decided to fire shots because violence is the only language they hear. Now a family has lost a breadwinner because of carelessness.”

Mr Siboniso Nkosi (38), taxi owner, was arrested in connection with the murder of the commuter.

He appeared at the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 6 February and his case was postponed to Wednesday, 12 February.

In eMbalenhle, thousands of bus commuters were also left without transport after Vukanini Taxi Association (Vukta) stopped Megabus from operating in the area.

The dispute between Vukta and Megabus erupted on Wednesday, 29 January when the taxi association accused the bus company of taking over their routes.

Check all the latest updates here on the clash between Police, Vukta, Megabus and commuters (between 11 and 12 February)

Vukta vs Megabus: Violence erupts in eMbalenhle and Evander

The taxi association blocked roads and demanded that the bus company stay out of eMbalenhle. The buses were escorted by police to a place of safety.

Commuters have criticised Vukta for its action against Megabus and said the association is inconsiderate.

They accused the taxi bosses of greed and neglecting the needs of the community.

Some suggested it might be time the community stand up against Vukta. Some accused the taxi drivers of bad driving and arrogance.

However, Vukta distanced itself from violence and said they are just peacefully fighting for what is right.

A meeting held between Megabus, Vukta, the police and the Department of Transport ended in deadlock as both parties did not find mutual ground.

“We will continue to service the community. We are not violent and we are not intimidating anyone,” said the secretary of Vukta.

Megabus took the matter to the high court in Mpumalanga.

The court sat on Tuesday, 4 February and Judge Kgoele ruled that Vukta must refrain from preventing any of the applicant’s employees and any of the applicant’s buses from gaining free access to, or to freely exit, Megabus’ depots or parking stations in Leandra, Kriel, Kinross, Evander, eMbalenhle, Bethal, Standerton and Secunda.

Vukta must refrain from preventing Megabus’ passengers or prospective passengers from making use of the bus services.

Vukta’s members must refrain from intimidating and interfering with Megabus passengers, they may not interfere with the bus services nor stop the buses and they must refrain from damaging or vandalising Megabus vehicles or property.

The court ruled that Vukta was to pay the legal costs of the application.

The Bethal Taxi Association was not available for comment at the time of going to the press.