SA MINI BUS TAXI PROTEST OVER LOCKDOWN
JOHANNESBURG - Operators who fall under the governing structure of the taxi industry in the country, Santaco, are currently on a go-slow in response to the government’s regulation around the Covid-19 response.
Last week it was announced that minibus taxis, metered taxis, e-hailing vehicles and buses were allowed to operate from 05 hours to 21 hours and again from 16 hrs to 20 hrs. This measure includes minimising the number of commuters.
Thabisho Molelekwa, Santaco spokesperson, said yesterday that taxis are now operating under protest.
“There was a general feeling from the industry that the government is not treating issues related to the taxi industry with sensitivity and priority. The operation structure that was implemented is not sustainable for 21 days for the people of the industry.
“This view has gained momentum across the country and has seen some not working, forcefully overloading or inflating prices,” Molelekwa said. He added that the organisation was currently in talks with the presidency. This was after a meeting with transport officials on Monday.
“We don’t have a set stance at the moment and we await a response from the government,” Molelekwa said.
Some taxi drivers in the East London CBD have set themselves on a collision course with the government as they demand double the normal fare from desperate passengers amid the Covid-19 lockdown. The practice of doubling taxi fares started on Friday, on the first day of the lockdown, after the national transport department told drivers they had to load half the number of passengers they usually carry.
Meanwhile, a police officer and a security guard have appeared in court accused of shooting and killing a 40-year- old man in front of his mother on the family’s veranda.
It’s alleged the pair had accused the man beforehand of not following lockdown rules. They now face murder and police brutality charges.
Four nieces and nephews of the dead man suffered shrapnel injuries as a result of the shooting in Vosloorus township, Gauteng province, on Sunday. The killing has caused widespread anger, and comes amidst a number of reports of police brutality since the nationwide lockdown began five days ago.