Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Bheki C. Simelane
Published on 2024-03-08 13:30:37
The South African Police Services (SAPS) are currently on the lookout for suspects after two individuals were fatally shot in Germiston on Thursday, 7 March 2024, amidst a resurgence of violence related to the taxi industry in Gauteng.
The motive behind the killings has not been confirmed at this stage, although it is suspected to be linked to taxi-related conflicts. Both victims were reportedly members of the local taxi association, as stated by the police.
Colonel Mavela Masondo, the spokesperson for Gauteng SAPS, has verified that the police are actively investigating the matter. These tragic incidents occurred amidst a backdrop of increasing violence in the taxi industry, with a strike taking place in Ekurhuleni on the same day triggered by a dispute with a bus company that had secured a contract to operate in the area.
Following unsuccessful talks with the taxi industry which resulted in a deadlock, Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale announced that taxi services would resume on Saturday. The taxi operators were demanding a 30% stake in the bus contract for routes they claim to have developed and nurtured over the years.
In response to the violence, SAPS apprehended four individuals, due to appear in court soon, in relation to an incident where they were allegedly aggressive towards a commuter who chose alternate transportation. This behavior prompted the commuter to file a case against them.
The sudden strike by the taxi operators caught many commuters off guard, compelling them to make alternative travel arrangements. Some individuals expressed frustration at the unpredictable nature of the taxi industry, calling for stricter enforcement of the law and the arrest of those seeking ownership stakes in contracts they are not involved in.
However, other commuters believed that the industry’s demand for a stake in the contracts is justified. The National Taxi Association (TNA) expressed their stance on the issue and warned that if authorities did not comply, they would escalate the shutdown to a national level.
Despite attempts to resolve the ongoing taxi violence, past efforts have been insufficient in curbing the problem. The lack of an effective resolution mechanism was highlighted by the Shongwe Commission of Inquiry into Taxi Violence as a major contributing factor to the persistent violence in the industry.
The situation is not unique to Gauteng, with taxi-related killings also unresolved in other regions, such as Cape Town. Former Gauteng transport MECs have struggled to effectively address the issue, with temporary measures failing to provide lasting solutions. Former MEC Jacob Mamabolo, despite his efforts to stabilize the industry, ultimately departed from his position without achieving a significant reduction in taxi violence.
In conclusion, the ongoing violence in the taxi industry underscores the pressing need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of conflict. Collaborative efforts between stakeholders, law enforcement, and government agencies are essential to creating a safe and stable environment for both commuters and industry members.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
