JMPD to continue with Operation Buya Mthetho despite protests
JOBURG – Mayor Herman Mashaba offered members of the media the opportunity to view some of the vehicles which have been impounded during Operation Buya Mthetho.
Mayor of Johannesburg Herman Mashaba invited members of the media to view some of the 500 unroadworthy and unlicensed vehicles impounded by the Metro police during Operation Buya Mthetho.
More than 500 unroadworthy, unlicensed and illegal minibus taxis and more than 60 illegal dumper trucks have been impounded by Metro police since the commencement of the operation.
On 25 June, taxi drivers of the Alexandra Taxi Association protested against the impounding of their vehicles, however, the City and Metro police have stood by their decision saying that the operation did not specifically target taxis.
Mashaba said, “[Monday’s] strike (25 June) left hundreds of commuters stranded and we are aware of reports that a driver of a bakkie was intimidated for giving stranded commuters a lift in Killarney. This kind of intimidation and reckless behaviour conducted by individuals who do not want to adhere to the rule of law will not be tolerated.”
The chief of the Metro police David Thembe said during the media briefing that all vehicles were taken to the Langlaagte Testing Station where they were tested.
Public Safety MMC Michael Sun said, “We need provincial and national government and everyone to sit down and say, ‘Let us find a sustainable solution for our residents’. It’s not about a particular person or association but it’s about the lives that are being carried, from schoolchildren to adults and mothers and fathers.”
Masahaba concluded, “One part of this multi-focused operation is to ensure road safety and to restore law and order. It is the mandate of our public safety department to ensure the safety of our residents, as well as ensure that law and order are maintained. The department of public safety will continue with law enforcement through Operation Buya Mthetho and vehicles deemed to be illegal and unsafe will be impounded.”
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Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/199636/operation-buya-mthetho-wins-hearts-with-clampdown-on-bad-driver-behaviour/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/205174/taxistrike-leaves-thousands-commuters-stranded/
