The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), continues to intensify law enforcement operations aimed at curbing lawlessness, combating criminal activity, and improving compliance with traffic legislation, particularly within the public transport sector.

The department stated that during the month of March 2026, high-impact stop-and-search operations were conducted across Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane and Vereeniging.

These targeted operations focused on major public and scholar transport routes identified as high-risk for non-compliance and road safety violations.

The department explained that as a result of these operations, 17 vehicles were impounded in Ekurhuleni and 31 in Vereeniging for failing to meet essential road safety standards.

Furthermore, 220 minibuses were discontinued due to serious mechanical defects, while an additional 227 vehicles were issued with discontinuation notices.

“The defects identified included faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken headlights, defective brake lights or indicators, and cracked windscreens, posing significant risks to passenger safety and other road users,” said the road department.

In addition, officers issued infringement notices to non-compliant public transport operators:

• More than 3 000 manual infringement notices were issued.
• A total of 4 560 electronic infringement notices were processed using the inspectorate’s advanced e-Force devices.

Further violations uncovered during the operations include:

• 752 minibus taxi drivers operating without valid driving licences.
• 394 minibuses found operating without valid licence discs.

According to the department, the law enforcement efforts also led to the arrest of 36 motorists on charges of fraud, driving under the influence, bribery, defeating the ends of justice, and reckless and negligent driving.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, commended the officers for their dedication and the impact of the operations:

“The results achieved in March demonstrate our unwavering commitment to restoring order and discipline on Gauteng’s roads. I commend our law enforcement officers for their vigilance, professionalism, and determination in ensuring that public transport operators comply with the law and that our roads are safer for all,” said Diale-Tlabela.

The department expressed that the stop-and-search operations remain a key pillar of the province’s road safety and law enforcement programme.

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