Taxi tensions simmer on South Coast

Threats, intimidation and the refusal to comply with relevant legislation within the taxi industry are said to be at the centre of ongoing taxi violence in the province.

According to the South African National Taxi Association Council (Santaco) since the beginning of the year, several taxi bosses has been killed in various parts of the province, although none of these was on the South Coast.

ALSO READ : Taxi driver ‘hitmen’ accused appear in Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court

However, on Monday this week local taxi drivers were drawn into the fray.

KZN police spokesman, Captain Nqobile Gwala said the incident reportedly stems from a long-running feud between the Bambanani Taxi Association and the Standerton Taxi Association over routes between Margate and Port Shepstone.

Police had received several reports of drivers being injured in scuffles over the past week, leaving commuters stranded and, in some cases, fearing for their lives.

According to Santaco regional chairman Mandla Mzelemu, taxi-related violence could be avoided if there was the political will to tackle issues and if industry laws were properly enforced.

Mr Mzelemu blamed Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and the department of transport for failing to honor their promises to deal with their issues.

He said the situation was getting ‘tense’ because the municipality had turned a blind eye to requests to shut down the Standerton Taxi Association as it was ‘illegal’.

“We had an agreement with MEC Mxolisi Kaunda and the municipality to shut down the association, but nothing has been done,” he said.

“I have been intimidated and threatened when trying to ensure authorities clamp down on illegal activities at taxi ranks, and I am beginning to suspect that some of these authorities might be protecting their own interests, hence the delay in shutting down the illegal association.”

A taxi driver from the Standerton Taxi Association who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals said he believed they were being victimised by the Bambanani Taxi Association.

“They don’t own the route so they should not try and control it. In fact they are taking away our bread and butter and I’m afraid it won’t end well if they continue,” said the driver.

KwaZulu-Natal violence monitor, Mary De Hass said the province had been a hot spot for taxi violence over the past few years.

She added a task team had been set up to probe the industry, and investigations had led to a ‘politically well-connected person’ being arrested.

“Permits should be given for specific routes and these should be adhered to. Those who operate illegally should be charged,” she said.

Both Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesman Simon April and the department of transport were contacted by telephone and email for comment but had not responded at the time of going to print.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram