The Commission of Inquiry into taxi violence in Gauteng has released its findings about the taxi violence in over the years on Thursday in Johannesburg.
The commission was appointed in September 2019 by Gauteng Premier David Makhura to investigate the rationale behind taxi violence in the province.
The commission found amongst other things, that lack of compliance by the taxi operators, the fraudulent use of routes as well as the abuse of power by members of taxi associations are some of the motivations behind the violence.
The commission also found that the applicants for operating licenses are not appropriately checked for criminal records and for pending cases upon applying which is failure to the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE).
The commission recommends that there should be a strict compliance with the legal framework by both the operator and the regulator.
The Gauteng roads and transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo believes the work done by the commission will be a turning point to end taxi violence in the province.
MEC Mamabolo said what his department now needs to do, is to come up with an action plan to implement the recommendations given by the commission.
“There should be periodic police operations conducted through SAPS and this should be undertaken with the objectives of targeting the hideouts of hitmen as well as concealed weapons often used in murders,” said Mamabolo.
Mamabolo said awell-trained and dedicated investigating officers will be led by a very Senior Police Officer with detective experience.
