Joint Media Release by Daylin Mitchell, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works and Santaco Western Cape
I called an urgent meeting with the leaders of the SA National Taxi Council’s (SANTACO) Western Cape Branch this morning to express my grave concerns with regard to the ongoing criminal acts of extortion that are taking place in the province.
My office has been inundated with complaints from victims of extortion such as private companies and owners whose vehicles are being stopped by elements within the taxi industry [so-called patrollers], who impose ‘fines’ or ‘release fees’ on people when they drive in certain communities. These crimes are allegedly aligned to both CATA and CODETA.
It is not within the mandate of the Department of Transport and Public Works to investigate criminal activities including crimes of this nature. We have instead adopted an approach of supporting SAPS and law enforcement in whichever way possible to bring perpetrators of these crimes to book.
As the Minister responsible for Transport, I have a responsibility to ensure that all commuters are transported in safety and in dignity. Law and order will not be compromised.
At the meeting, I wanted to hear from the taxi leadership what they are doing to put a stop to these crimes. These criminal acts must be condemned and the leaders of the minibus taxi industry have a responsibility to ensure that their members operate within the law and in accordance with their constitution and signed code of conduct.
The leaders agreed that there are many challenges leading to the crime of extortion and there’s a commitment for further engagements involving government, the industry and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to these crimes.
In terms of the National Land Transport Act and supporting Provincial Laws, the Provincial Registrar may de-register associations or members and the Provincial Regulatory Entity may withdraw operating licences from people who are convicted of extortion or other serious crimes.
I urge citizens to report extortion by opening criminal cases at the local SAPS stations. Through engagements between my Department and SAPS, all stations have been provided with Standard Operating Procedures to follow in the event of victims reporting acts of extortion, illegal ‘impounding’ of their vehicles and threats by local taxi operators.
Santaco Secretary Gershon Geyer said: “As Santaco we cannot condone the behaviour of certain individuals who are impounding vehicles in the taxi industry.”
Extortion can be reported on 086 001 0111.
Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026