The Gauteng Provincial Government has intensified its high-impact stop-and-search operations to tackle criminality, lawlessness, and strengthen compliance with traffic and other regulations.

The operations, conducted by Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) officers deployed across the province, aim to curb lawlessness on the roads. The provincial government reports that sustained, high-intensity operations have delivered strong results.

Between September 15 and 21, GTI officers issued a total of 2 886 infringement notices, including over a thousand manual notices and 1 886 through the e-force electronic system. Offences ranged from vehicle defects to serious licensing violations.

“During the week, the Inspectorate issued over 65 minibuses with discontinuation notices for being unroadworthy, immediately removing them from the road. A further 184 minibus drivers were found operating without valid driver’s licences,” said the provincial government.

The provincial government emphasised that both categories of offences directly compromise the safety of commuters and other road users, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.

MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, expressed concern about this dangerous trend:
“We have noted this trend developing in recent years. I will be taking this up with leaders in the taxi industry to assist us in rooting out this practice. It is unacceptable and puts other road users in danger.”

GTI’s weekly operations, running for several months, are part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to improve compliance and curb lawlessness in public transport and on the roads generally.

“The inspectorate’s presence and visibility on the roads are aimed at dealing with widespread non-compliant practices, whilst also deterring would-be offenders from road infrastructure vandalism and theft,” said the provincial government.

With 96 officers deployed strategically across Gauteng, the GTI unit is proving effective. By removing unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed, and potentially incompetent, drivers from the roads, the GTI is making a measurable impact toward a safer public transport system and improved road safety across the province.

ALSO READ: Springs scooter club to ride 750km for fundraiser

ALSO READ: Gauteng Health ramps up fight against child malnutrition