Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has strongly condemned recent incidents of intimidation, threats and extortion within the taxi industry, particularly where fellow industry members are being targeted by individuals attempting 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), and the MEC calls on all stakeholders in the taxi industry to immediately desist from intimidation, extortion, threats, violence and any other form of unlawful conduct.
“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,” said the MEC.
The MEC has further emphasised that where unlawful conduct involves a holder of an operating licence, the Department will pursue all applicable legal processes to ensure that the operator’s licence is revoked or otherwise dealt with in accordance with the law.
The taxi industry is urged to resolve disputes and differences 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.”
The Department will continue to work with the taxi industry, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen lawfulness, stability and accountability within Gauteng’s public transport system.
The MEC calls on all industry members to choose dialogue and lawful processes over intimidation, and to work collectively to protect the safety, dignity and livelihoods of operators, drivers, workers and commuters.
SUPPLIED.
