Taxi associations criticized after eruption of violence in downtown Johannesburg

Gauteng Transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo has taken on the taxi industry after violence erupted in downtown Johannesburg.

Taxi violence erupts in downtown Johannesburg on October 16, 2021. Photo: Twitter / JMPD

JOHANNESBURG – Gauteng Transport’s MEC Jacob Mamabolo has attacked the taxi industry after violence erupted in downtown Johannesburg on Saturday.

At least four minibus taxis were set on fire, while six more were damaged near the intersection of Commissioner and Von Weilling streets after warring associations reportedly clashed over routes.

Tensions between drivers from the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association and the Nancefield Dube West Association have wreaked havoc in the bustling city center, leaving one person injured.

Mamabolo said the two associations had seriously compromised the work done by the transportation department and the taxi industry to stabilize the sector in the province.

“We hold the leaders accountable for this. They should really be ashamed that they put the industry trying to rebuild and reorganize itself that really completely undermines the effort that we put in place.

The MEC urged the police to arrest those who committed the criminal acts.

“They have to get to the bottom of this matter. We cannot have flames in our streets at the most critical and commercial sites.

ALERT

Commissioner Str in the JHB CBD is closed to traffic between Delvers & Kruis Str. This follows Taxi Violence. The situation is calm, Police & @CityofJoburgEMS are here. Motorists are advised to avoid and use alternative routes. #JHBTraffic #JoburgRoadSafety pic.twitter.com/JMnZJjaciI

Johannesburg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) October 16, 2021