MEC warns Gauteng taxi industry against intimidation and extortion

Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has warned members of the taxi industry against intimidation, threats, extortion and violence, saying those involved in criminal conduct will face the full might of the law.

The MEC’s warning follows recent incidents in which members of the taxi industry have allegedly been targeted by fellow industry players seeking to use fear, coercion and unlawful influence to advance their interests.

The matter has been brought to the attention of the Provincial Taxi Task Team (PKTT).

“There is no place for criminality in Gauteng’s public transport system. No individual or group has the right to use intimidation, threats or extortion to advance its interests. Those who engage in such conduct must know that they will face the full might of the law,” Diale-Tlabela said.

She said where unlawful conduct involved a person holding an operating licence, the department would pursue all applicable legal processes to have the licence revoked or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law.

The MEC urged taxi operators and other industry stakeholders to resolve disputes through established industry structures and lawful processes.

“Intimidation and coercion cannot be allowed to undermine the stability of the industry or compromise the safety and livelihoods of those who depend on it,” she said.

The department said it would continue working with the taxi industry, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen lawfulness, stability and accountability in Gauteng’s public transport system.

Diale-Tlabela called on industry members to choose dialogue over intimidation and to work collectively to protect the safety, dignity and livelihoods of operators, drivers, workers and commuters.