Growing concern over illegal taxi ranks

GLENVISTA – Unauthorised taxi ranks are popping up in several residential areas in the South and have home owners in these areas concerned that if these operators go unchallenged, then more illegal ranks could be expected.

Illegal taxi ranks are currently operational in Suideroord on corner of Columbine Avenue and Potgieter Street, in Mulbarton on the corner of True North Road and Saron Road; and recently another illegal gathering of taxi’s has found a home in Mondeor on the corner of Columbine Avenue and Frandaph Drive.

Mondeor Sector 2 CPF have been very active in ensuring that the taxi operators in Suideroord do not get too comfortable, and have been working closely with JMPD to ensure that the taxis are moved.

On February 18, Mondeor CPF reported that Johannesburg Metro Police had been to the open land to investigate allegations of an illegal taxi rank. “JMPD has been out there three times and asked taxi drivers to please move, but they don’t seem to be listening.”

However, their efforts have been met with resistance following two visits from JMPD, but the taxi drivers are still on the same spot weeks after.

Councillor Paul Smit recently brought to the attention of the CHRONICLE that the illegal taxi rank in Mulbarton was allegedly authorised by the previous Chairperson of Mulbarton Community Forum. The current Mulbarton Community Forum Chairperson Calvin Way confirmed Clr Smits allegations.

However, it is uncertain who gave the previous Mulbarton Chairperson authorisation to give the illegal occupation of the open land the go-ahead to operate a taxi rank.

According to Mr Way, no one knows who the owner of the open land on True North Road is, and there is no official documentation giving consent from the owner and approved by JMPD. Mr Way did not want to name any names on who the Chairman is that gave authorisation to the taxi operators.

Mr Pillay, a resident of Mondeor, expressed concern over the illegal taxi rank operating on Frandaph Drive, with little obvious intervention by JMPD. He believes that JMPD is allowing these illegal gatherings in residential areas to operate without authorisation and with impunity.

At the Mulbarton taxi rank, a reporter of the CHRONICLE, while surveying the illegal operation, witnessed a JMPD vehicle passing by the taxi rank on its way to Mulbarton Hospital. The officers in the vehicle made no attempt to stop and request an operating license.

When the JMPD officers had finished with their business at the hospital, they drove off in the opposite direction, leaving the taxi operation to carry on as before. No official comment has been received from JMPD regarding this issue to date.