Vadi lashes taxi clashes in Soweto
MEC wants police to take action on lawless violence
Gauteng MEC for roads and transport Ismail Vadi has called on the provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies to act decisively against acts of lawlessness, violence and intimidation by some taxi operators in Soweto.
This after violence flared up again in Naledi yesterday, leaving scores of commuters stranded after shootings and the stoning of some taxis.
Vadi said the taxi conflict between the two associations in Soweto has been simmering for months.
The dispute between two associations – Nancefield Dube West Taxi Association (Nanduwe) and Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata) – has led to the killing of three taxi owners over a route dispute in Mofolo in April.
Vadi said:“The department appeals to the members of both taxi associations to abide by the ruling which found Wata has encroached the roads.
“If any party is unhappy or aggrieved with the ruling, it must follow due processes allowed for in law and lodge an appeal with a national regulatory entity.”
He said the dispute was formally heard by the provincial regulatory entity
Wata spokesman George Maphalala said: Since Sunday afternoon, the drivers [in the area] decided to stop operating and find out why they are being shot, why they are being killed, and why they are being attacked,”
Attempts to get comment from Nanduwe were not successful yesterday.
Police spokesman Captain Kay Makhubele said yesterday that three suspects had been arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and malicious damage to property, adding that the trio will appear in the Meadowlands Magistrate’s Court soon.