The Gauteng Transport Department says it has launched a public transport inspectorate to deal with violence in the taxi industry. This follows increased reports from e-hailing drivers in Johannesburg of violent attacks and robberies allegedly carried out by minibus taxi associations.

Violence has plagued the taxi industry for many years, with taxi associations fighting amongst each other over profitable routes.

E-hailing services have exacerbated the problem, as minibus operators feel financially threatened by the safer, more flexible transportation options.

The department spokesperson, Lesiba Mpya says, “This is a lack of competitiveness and greed where people cannot tolerate the culture of integration and ecosystem. We have also acknowledged that in terms of law enforcement, there is more that can be done by government.”

“Hence, we are saying that we have re-capacitated the department two, three weeks ago. We have put in place an 80-strong men’s team that is going to deal decisively or particularly with the taxi-related violence. That is why we have deployed this public transport inspectorate to the hotspots,” adds Mpya.

PODCAST | Full interview with department spokesperson, Lesiba Mpya: