JHB taxi violence

Photo: Twitter/YusufAbramjee

JHB taxi violence: Tensions over routes caused the conflict [update]

MEC Jacob Mamabolo said the violent taxi conflict on Saturday is due to tensions over routes between the two taxi associations in JHB CBD.

JHB taxi violence

Photo: Twitter/YusufAbramjee

The Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo said the taxi conflict in Johannesburg CBD culminated from tensions over routes between the two associations.

FOUR TAXIS TORCHED, SIX OTHER TAXI DAMAGED AND ONE PERSON INJURED

“According to the police, two drivers were assaulted yesterday, 15 October 2021.”

“We call on the taxi industry to refrain from violence. Their leadership should take responsibility and end this,” said Mamabolo.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Four taxis torched and set alight in JHB taxi violence

Photo: Twitter/YusufAmbramjee

Mamabolo has strongly condemned the eruption of taxi violence in the City of Joburg Metropolitan Municipality following the torching of four minibus taxis near Carlton Centre.

“It is alleged that six other minibus taxis were damaged following skirmishes between drivers from the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Association (Nanduwe).

“No injuries have been reported, and a case of malicious damage to property has been opened.”

Mamabolo, furthermore, said police are yet to arrest suspects while the Provincial Investigative Unit is investigating the case.

“We condemn these acts of violence between WATA and Nanduwe as they undermine the work that our department, together with the taxi industry, have been doing to stabilize the province. We call on law enforcement to swiftly deal with those behind the violence.

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Mamabolo said that the province had been experiencing relative calm due to platforms that the provincial government has put in place to deal with matters of contention within the taxi industry.

“We have always advocated for negotiations as a way of dealing with conflicts amongst taxi associations. Days of solving conflict through violence are behind us here in Gauteng. This is the reason why I am extremely disappointed with the associations involved.”

Motorists were still advised to avoid the area and to use alternative routes.