Media Release by Daylin Mitchell Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works
I strongly condemn the criminal acts of vandalism and intimidation on the part of taxi industry operators and drivers in the Nyanga area.
Over the course of the last few days, reports have been received of at least one Golden Arrow buses being set alight and 22 others stoned by irate taxi drivers, who also intimidated bus drivers and other staff transport operators in the area. One bakkie was torched and a number of City vehicles and staff have also been attacked in the area
I thank the SAPS and traffic authorities for their swift response which included the impounding of 56 minibus taxis and several arrests in the area.
Department of Transport and Public Works officials, including the office of the Provincial Transport Registrar and the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) have been in contact with leaders of the SA National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) to discuss urgent measures to be taken by these representatives structures to reign in their members who may be involved in these criminal activities.
The Department of Transport and Public Works is also monitoring the situation and may use video footage and other evidence gathered by SAPS to take disciplinary steps against operators, drivers and taxi associations.
My Department and I remain committed to transforming and formalizing the minibus taxi industry for the benefit of those legal and law-abiding minibus taxi operators, drivers and employees who are committed to providing a safe and dignified public transport service to commuters.
We will, however, not compromise on the safety of commuters and citizens and have made it clear that the Western Cape Government will use all available regulatory measures and powers at its disposal to take strong action against those operators, drivers and associations who make themselves guilty of public violence, arson, intimidation, extortion or any other criminal acts that impact on the safety and dignity of public transport users and citizens.
Audio clip Minister Mitchell condemns attack on Golden Arrow buses
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za