Gauteng MEC calls for an end to taxi violence amid rising tensions
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has strongly condemned the recent spike in taxi-related violence in the province, warning that it endangers lives and undermines efforts to create a secure public transport system. Despite peace pledges from industry leaders, deadly clashes between rival taxi associations continue to erupt across the region.
In recent weeks, several violent incidents, including fatal shootings of taxi drivers and marshals, have disrupted services and spread fear among commuters and operators.
Diale-Tlabela pointed to ongoing route disputes as the root cause, stating that this bloodshed, connected to conflicts over routes between competing taxi associations, has created an environment of fear and insecurity for passengers, operators, and innocent people.
She expressed disappointment in the failure of taxi industry leaders to uphold their commitments to peace.
'These acts of violence in the taxi industry are not only criminal but also a direct betrayal of the commitments made by the taxi industry leadership to uphold peace and prioritise the safety of commuters and communities,' the MEC said.
The provincial government has intensified engagements with key industry stakeholders, including the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO). These talks have resulted in the formation of a Conflict Resolution Committee aimed at addressing disputes through dialogue and mediation rather than violence.
Diale-Tlabela made it clear that the government expects accountability.
'We call upon the leadership of taxi associations to honour their pledges, take responsibility, and assist in identifying those who continue to bring the industry into disrepute,' she said.
'Peace, discipline, and accountability must be the cornerstones of the taxi industry.'
Warning of legal consequences, the MEC stressed that authorities would not hesitate to take action against those fuelling the violence.
'The safety of our citizens and the stability of public transport cannot be compromised. We urge all affected stakeholders to recommit to a peaceful and stable environment.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Man shot dead after being robbed of backpack in Inanda, KZN
A man was shot dead in Inanda, KZN, on Saturday, 21 June 2025, after being robbed of his backpack. According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), a motorist reported to the security company after witnessing two men attacking the victim with pipes. The motorist recalled that the suspects quickly fled the scene with the victim's backpack upon noticing him stop. The motorist said that he was unaware that the victim had been shot. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene and found the man unresponsive. Paramedics declared him dead after he sustained a gunshot wound to his back that went through his chest. The suspects have not been apprehended yet. Two-night shift employees at a used spare business in Hazelmere, KZN, were attacked by six armed robbers and tied up for 11 hours on Friday, 20 June 2025. The suspects covered the victims' faces and tied them up at gunpoint. RUSA explained, 'Their hands & feet were bound with belts & shoelaces. Used vehicle bumpers & body parts were then stacked on top of the victims & they were found by dayshift staff eleven (11) hours later in the same position.' The suspects stole mag rims, power tools, car body parts and other items worth thousands of rands throughout the night. According to reports, it is alleged that the leader of the gang was a Mozambican National who was an employee at the same company. The foreign national had his face covered up when the robbery was in progress. He was found in possession of the items taken during the robbery and was arrested. Additional items were discovered in various locations at a home near the Hazelmere Dam. The suspect told RUSA that his accomplices had fled the scene and were on the run. Investigations are taking place. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Gunshots fired at loose baboon in Northcliff
According Bhaai Cassim, the secretary for the Johannesburg Sub-District Community Police Board stated that the baboon is now at the Northcliff Eco Ridge area which he is likely to overnight. 'The OWL Rescue Centre has confirmed that a trap is being set up nearby, close to a residence that the baboon has been frequenting several times over the last 24 hours.' Read more: Baboon on the loose in Northcliff: Keep children and pets inside Cassim reported that two gunshots were heard in the vicinity, but the source of the shots could not be located. 'The incident was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), who responded to investigate but were unable to find the exact location of the shots.' Dirke Engelbrecht from Community Lead Animal Welfare (CLAW) emphasised the urgency of the situation, labeling the shooting as 'totally unnecessary.' He reassured the community that there is no aggression or threat from the baboon. 'There may be passing over of a property, but there is no indication of a threat or danger,' Engelbrecht explained. He cautioned that such actions are criminal offenses, and anyone found responsible could face prosecution under conservation and animal cruelty laws. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
'She is still alive': Joslin Smith hope renewed
The National Prosecuting Authority has renewed hope that little Joslin Smith is still alive despite being missing for over a year. The Salanha Bay girl's disappearance has sparked a national, and even international, rescue effort. Her mother, Kelly Smith, and two others – Jacquin 'Boeta' Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn – have since been convicted and sentenced for kidnapping and child trafficking. Speaking in a webinar this week, NPA prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel shared her beliefs about Joslin Smith. Earlier this month, Swapepoel helped the state to convict Joslin's mother, Kelly Smith, the latter's boyfriend, Jacquin 'Boeta' Appollis, and their pal, Steveno van Rhyn. A life sentence for trafficking and kidnapping was handed down by Western Cape High Court judge, Nathan Erasmus. She said of the search for the missing girl: 'We have done a comprehensive search in Saldanha of all the exhibits. 'Everything that was found in all of those dunes, all the bones, all the clothing, was analysed, there were no positive DNA results found on anything. She continued: 'I'm convinced that she is still alive. However, I don't know where she is. I can only hope we find her.' Will Kelly Smith ever reveal where her daughter Joslin is? The Saldanha Bay girl went missing on 19 February 2024. Images via YouTube screenshot: SABC Swanepoel added that Joslin's case was the first prosecution she had worked on where the missing child had not been found. She added that much of the case hung on the state witness Lourentia Lombaard. The NPA was also banking on the possibility that Joslin's mother would testify. 'We were always hopeful during the trial that the accused would come and testify in the main trial. The plan was to destroy their credibility and demonstrate the improbabilities in their versions. Yes, their decision to remain silent, especially Kelly, was very disappointing,' she added. Meanwhile, Joslin's mother Kelly Smith as well as Appollis and van Rhyn have filed their notices this week for leave to appeal their convictions and sentences. The NPA are also awaiting the fate of the state witness Lourentia Lombaard, whose verdict will be announced by Judge Erasmus at an appointed date. A 204 inquiry will determine if Lombaard will be granted indemnity based on her testimony. If the court does find that Lombaard did not testify truthfully, she could face prosecution for perjury and related charges. Lombaard previously stated under oath that Joslin's mother, Kelly Smith, allegedly sold her to a sangoma for R20 000. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
