Tebogo Msimanga |
The Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads infrastructure has strongly condemned the eruption of taxi violence in the City of Joburg following the torching of four minibus taxis near Carlton Centre on Saturday.
It is alleged that six other minibus taxis were damaged following clashes between drivers from the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Association (Nanduwe). The conflict culminated from tensions over routes between the two associations.
“We condemn these acts of violence between WATA and Nanduwe as they undermine the work that our department together with the taxi industry have been doing to stabilize the province. We call on law enforcement to swiftly deal with those behind the violence,” said MEC Mamabolo.
No injuries have been reported and a case of malicious damage to property has been opened. Police are yet to arrest suspects, while the Provincial Investigative Unit is investigating the case.
Mamabolo called on the taxi industry to refrain from violence. “Their leadership should take responsibility and end this.”
