South African taxi association vehicles, particularly those used for patrols, have once again come under fire as videos surface showing these patrols recklessly blocking cars and trucks on the road.
The latest video causing an outcry online features a white Toyota Corolla, branded as a taxi association vehicle, aggressively trying to block a large truck travelling at speed.
Disturbingly, the Corolla driver is seen waving a firearm through his window, attempting to intimidate the trucker.
The trucker, however, was undeterred, pushing forward – how this confrontation ended remains unknown.
This video is one of many that have recently gone viral on social media, sparking public outrage and bringing to light the increasingly dangerous actions of taxi association vehicles on South African roads.
These videos highlight a trend of rogue patrols from taxi associations attempting to control the flow of private vehicles, claiming the right to monitor which vehicles can carry passengers and under what conditions.
In a recent statement, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola clarified that taxi patrollers do not have the authority to stop private motorists or restrict them from transporting passengers.
“Taxi patrollers cannot legally stop motorists from carrying passengers, whether for a fee or for personal reasons. Any intimidation or harassment from these patrols is unlawful,” Masemola stated, condemning these actions as “criminal behavior.”
This issue has already reached a boiling point in several areas.
Just this past week in Sisa, North West, frustrated community members set fire to several minibus taxis after enduring harassment from taxi association patrols.
Residents alleged that taxi bosses forced them to rely solely on taxis for commuting, going so far as to stop private vehicles carrying multiple passengers.
The taxi associations have argued that private car owners have no permit to transport passengers and that only licensed taxis are allowed to perform such duties.
Read | Dashcam | Taxi Forced off Road in Clash with Truck over Passengers
These associations claim they renew their permits annually through the Department of Transport, whereas private vehicles do not hold any such authorization.
Community members, however, feel differently.
Many say the patrols are merely a bullying tactic to force them into taxis, even when they would prefer carpooling with neighbours or family on their way to work.
Their outrage spilled over in Sisa, where they took matters into their own hands, torching several minibus taxis in protest against what they describe as unjust treatment and intimidation.
The growing prevalence of such videos and the recent violent backlash in North West reveal an urgent need for stronger enforcement of road laws.
The public is demanding that taxi associations be held accountable for actions that go beyond the bounds of safety and legality.
With more motorists and truck drivers speaking out, the pressure on authorities to restore order on South African roads is only mounting.
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