It is with regret that we note the one-day strike staged by an Alexandra based taxi association aimed at countering the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) effort to enforce the rule of law of our city.
The strike have left hundreds of commuters stranded and we have a received report that a driver of a bakkie was intimidated for giving stranded commuters a lift in Killarney.
Through Operation Buya Mthetho, the JMPD have been removing un-roadworthy, unlicensed and illegal vehicles from the roads across the city since the beginning of the year.
It is also crucial to note that legal compliances by motorists and their vehicles in line with legislation such as the National Road Traffic Act are compulsory and enforcement are not selective, but applies across the board.
One part of this multi-focused operation is to ensure road safety and to restore law and order.
Over 500 un-roadworthy, unlicensed and illegal mini bus taxis, and over 60 illegal dumper trucks have been impounded by JMPD since the commencement of Operation Buya Mthetho.
JMPD is on high alert and have been deployed to the identified hotspots, where we will ensure that safety of our residents, law and order are maintained.
Public Safety MMC Michael Sun says: “We will not surrender to lawlessness. Illegal, non-compliant and irresponsible operators cannot expect us to look away whilst they play with the lives of commuters and other motorists on the road. We will certainly not be bullied into submission by individuals who promote lawless conduct and behaviour. We invite the operators affected to engage with us in a mature and professional manner, and it is in the interest of everyone that we find a sustainable solution.”
The JMPD will continue with law enforcement and to impound vehicles that are deemed illegal and/or unsafe.
We want to see lawful and responsible public transport operators flourish in their businesses and urge all commuters, transport business owners and motorists to co-operate with each other to ensure safer roads for all of us.
For more details please contact:
Luyanda Longwe
Stakeholder Manager: Office of the MMC for Public Safety
luyandalo@joburg.org.za
061 4960 536
