DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Peggy Nkonyeni welcomed the impounding of 72 vehicles which was part of the department’s intensified enforcement operations targeting public transport in the province.
The department said the operations were conducted in targeted areas in KZN which were experiencing instability in the taxi industry.
“In total 72 vehicles were impounded for operating without permits, 46 suspended because of their condition and unroadworthy, including various defects and 47 charges for minor offences,” the department said.
The joint operations were led by the Department’s Public Transport Enforcement Service (Operation Shanela), the South African Police Services (SAPS Taxi Task Team) and other enforcement agencies.
“The main focus area of the operation is Greytown where it is reported that illegal operators have invaded the taxi rank, threatening to take over the taxi rank and the operations. More than 50 vehicles were impounded in Greytown alone and operations are continuing,” the department said.
The department said other areas which were targeted included uMzimkhulu, KwaNongoma, Harding, Kranskop and Mandeni.
More operations were planned throughout the province.
The outcome was part of the repurposing and revival of Operation Shanela which is aimed at strengthening law enforcement in the public transport industry.
Nkonyeni said: “We have taken the decision to repurpose Operation Shanela so that it begins to bite. We are very firm in rooting out all illegalities in the taxi industry. It can no longer continue to be a law unto itself. We are targeting all the areas that are experiencing instability and we are determined to end anarchy in the industry. This is now going to be the order of the day in the province. Areas such as Greytown and many others will continue to be monitored very closely and targeted operations will continue to be intensified. We are also determined to end violence and killings in the industry.”
Nkonyeni applauded the good work by the joint enforcement agencies, saying the government will do everything it takes to stabilize the taxi industry.
The department said as the festive season approaches, the department adopted new strategies to build a stable public transport and ensure safety on the road.
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