Central SA
Taxi violence clampdown: 54 vehicles impounded in North West─── 12:59 Wed, 29 Mar 2023
The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has on Tuesday impounded 54 taxis in Khuma near Stilfontein in the City of Matlosana. This was in a bid to crack down on recent taxi violence in the area.
According to the department, there have been fatal shootings in Khuma, perpetuated by illegal immigrants that may be zama-zamas. The shootings claimed three lives.
MEC Sello Lehari has since declared extraordinary measures in terms of the National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009, which empower law enforcement to intervene. Spokesperson Alpheus Koonyaditse said the conflict has also been experienced in Madibeng, Mahikeng, and Rustenburg.
According to Lehari, the government had to intercede before the violence spiralled out of control. He appealed to taxi operators to work with law enforcement to apprehend the killers of the three operators shot in Khuma.
The North West Public Transport Intervention Team chairperson, Star Vilakazi, said there is fear that the violence may stir instability and spill to other provinces if not contained.
