Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has commended the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) for the successful execution of high-impact stop-and-search operations under the #RemoveSkorokoro campaign.

During the week of June 22 to 28, high-impact stop-and-search operations were conducted across major metropolitan municipalities in the province, including Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.

According to the roads department, the operations targeted major public transport routes identified as high-risk, with a strong focus on removing dangerous vehicles from the roads, improving compliance with road traffic legislation, and addressing criminality within the transport sector.

The department stated a total of 53 private vehicles were impounded, including 22 in Tshwane and 31 in Ekurhuleni.

In addition, 32 minibus taxis were discontinued due to mechanical defects, faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken headlights, defective brake lights or indicators, and cracked windscreens, while a total of 16 vehicles were issued with discontinuation notices.

The department indicated that the enforcement operations also uncovered several traffic law violations.

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These included:

• 131 minibus taxi drivers operating without valid driving licences.
• 33 minibus taxis were found operating without valid licence discs.

The department explained that beyond traffic enforcement, the operations contributed to crime prevention efforts.

According to the roads department, the inspectorate apprehended nine motorists for various offences, including fraud, driving under the influence (DUI), and interfering with law enforcement officers’ work.

An additional motorist was arrested after being found in possession of a stolen vehicle.

The department said that to further strengthen compliance and accountability on Provincial roads, the inspectorate issued more than 300 manual infringement notices for various traffic offences.

A further 682 electronic infringement notices were processed through the inspectorate’s e-Force device.

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Diale-Tlabela praised law enforcement officers for their unwavering commitment to protecting road users and ensuring that those who undermine the law are held accountable.

“These operations send a clear and uncompromising message that lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated. Every arrest made and every unroadworthy vehicle removed from our roads represents lives protected and communities made safer.

“We commend our law enforcement officers for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication in confronting reckless criminal behaviour,” said the MEC.

Diale-Tlabela further emphasised that stop-and-search operations remain a critical pillar of Gauteng’s road safety and law enforcement strategy.

“Beyond enforcing compliance with road traffic legislation, these operations are instrumental in disrupting criminal activity, removing unsafe and unroadworthy vehicles from circulation, and restoring discipline within the public transport sector.”