Santaco Condemns Vigilante Taxi Patrols in Limpopo

Key Takeaways

• The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has condemned the actions of taxi patrols that have been chasing and harassing private vehicles operating as unofficial hitch-hiking services in Limpopo.
• Santaco has distanced itself from these taxi patrol vehicles and emphasized that they are not authorized to stop private vehicles.
• The organization has called on taxi operators and executives to take disciplinary action against those involved in these activities and to work with law enforcement to monitor and regulate patrol activities.
• Santaco has reaffirmed its commitment to safer, orderly, and lawful transport and has urged the traveling public to report any misuse of patrol powers or unlawful conduct to local law enforcement and taxi associations.

Introduction to the Incident
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has recently condemned the conduct of taxi patrols in Limpopo, who have been allegedly chasing and harassing private vehicles operating as unofficial hitch-hiking services. This follows an incident that occurred on Sunday on the R101 outside Mokopane, where taxi patrol vehicles from a local taxi association attempted to stop a Toyota Avanza. The driver of the Avanza allegedly fled the scene after being attacked and knocked off by one of the vehicles, subsequently losing control of the vehicle and colliding head-on with a Mercedes-Benz. Cases of reckless and/or negligent driving and attempted murder have been opened, and investigations are currently underway.

Santaco’s Response
Santaco has swiftly responded to the incident, emphasizing that taxi patrols are not authorized to stop private vehicles. The organization’s provincial chairperson, Ngwepe Lesiba Frans, stated that these individuals posing as taxi patrols stop, chase, and solicit money from private vehicles operating as unofficial hitch-hiking services, resulting in several incidents where route users and passengers were pursued, causing harm and endangering lives. Santaco has called upon all taxi operators and executives to take immediate disciplinary action against anyone involved in these activities, including reprimands, suspensions, or other appropriate measures.

Role of Taxi Patrols
According to Santaco, taxi patrol vehicles exist to monitor taxi operations, safeguard passengers, assist taxi operators where a need arises, and support lawful, orderly, and safe transport services. However, they are not authorized to stop private vehicles or solicit money from route users. The organization has urged taxi operators and patrollers to engage law enforcement whenever they witness violations of taxi operations or unlawful harassment and extortion by any party. Santaco has also called on the police and traffic authorities to collaborate with them to monitor and regulate patrol activities, thereby reinforcing public safety and lawful conduct across all routes.

Commitment to Safety
Santaco has reaffirmed its commitment to safer, orderly, and lawful transport, and has urged the traveling public to report any misuse of patrol powers or unlawful conduct by individuals presenting themselves as taxi patrols to local law enforcement and taxi associations. The organization has emphasized that the safety of passengers is its priority and has called on all taxi operators and executives to review and reinforce the codes of conduct governing patrol activities. Santaco has also urged everyone to conduct operations with responsibility, integrity, and respect for the law, particularly as the festive season approaches.

Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, Santaco has taken a strong stance against the misconduct of taxi patrols in Limpopo, emphasizing that they are not authorized to stop private vehicles. The organization has called on taxi operators and executives to take disciplinary action against those involved in these activities and to work with law enforcement to monitor and regulate patrol activities. As the festive season approaches, Santaco has urged everyone to conduct operations with responsibility, integrity, and respect for the law. The organization remains committed to safer, orderly, and lawful transport, and has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of passengers. It is essential that the traveling public reports any misuse of patrol powers or unlawful conduct to local law enforcement and taxi associations, ensuring that the taxi industry operates in a safe and lawful manner.