Jackie Macie, Mpumalanga’s MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, has asked a a multi-disciplinary team of the police(SAPS) to be sent to Mpumalanga, amidst rising taxi-related violence.
Macie said the deployment is to help stabilise affected communities and ensure the safety of commuters, taxi operators and local residents.
“The heightened tensions between the local taxi association and Umbutho, concerning the operation of seven-seater vehicles and route control, have resulted in troubling clashes. These incidents not only endanger lives but may also lead to property damage and the disruption of essential public transport services” he said.
As a result, two engagements are scheduled for Tuesday – a morning Operational Briefing at Tonga Police Station, followed by a Stakeholder Engagement at Block B Hall at 14:00.
These will assess the current situation and identify the underlying causes of the ongoing conflict.
A taxi association (SANTACO) and the National Taxi Alliance (NTA), issued a joint warning to the Gauteng government, to address their demands within seven days or face a shutdown.
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