KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has issued a stern warning to taxi associations against forcing motorists to remove passengers from private vehicles, urging members of the public to report such incidents .
Speaking on Saturday at a meeting aimed at resolving tensions between the KwaDukuza Taxi Association and the KwaMaphumulo Taxi Association, Mkhwanazi stressed that no individual or organisation has the authority to enforce the law outside the legal framework .
“No one in South Africa is allowed to do as they please without following the law. If someone wants a lift, to take a bus or a taxi, they can do so. You cannot tell them what to do,” Mkhwanazi said .
The meeting, held at the Ntshawini Community Hall in KwaDukuza, followed a shooting incident on Friday along Doesburg Road. Although no one was injured, two vehicles were shot at, and nearby houses were struck by stray bullets. Police recovered more than 50 spent cartridges at the scene and seized more than 20 firearms from two security companies guarding members of the rival associations .
Strong Action Promised
Mkhwanazi warned that strong action will be taken against anyone found forcing motorists not to give lifts to members of the public or compelling the public to only use taxis .
“If I ever find that a taxi association, private security company, Shanela operation or any individual has forced motorists not to give people lifts and to use taxis, that person will be arrested,” he said .
He added that security companies involved in such actions could face severe consequences, including having their licences revoked by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority . “I will also write to their head office so their firearms can be confiscated. By the time the security personnel are arrested, that company will no longer be operating,” Mkhwanazi said .
Citizens’ Rights
Mkhwanazi further warned that taxi associations implicated in such behaviour could face closure. He emphasised that citizens who stop along the roadside to offer lifts are within their rights to do so and should not be intimidated .
“Citizens who stop to give others a lift have the right to do that. Taxi associations cannot stop them,” he said .
Call for Public to Report
Mkhwanazi urged members of the public who feel intimidated or victimised by taxi operators or security personnel to gather as much information as possible and report it to the police .
“If you encounter people doing this, take note of their details, memorise the registration numbers of their vehicles and identify those involved so that you can report the matter. An investigation will be conducted,” he said .
Police officials, including acting iLembe District Commissioner Sbongile Mhlongo and provincial head of Operational Response Services Thembinkosi Msimango, are working alongside taxi industry leaders, including Bhoyi Zondi, to find solutions to end the escalating tensions .
