The KZN Department of Transport has announced intentions to tighten security control in taxi ranks in volatile areas to ensure safety of the commuters is not compromised.
This new approach will see the Department of Transport and municipalities working together to “manage” access and control of taxi ranks.
This announcement was made by the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr. Willies Mchunu, last week when he tabled his budget speech at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.
“Moreover, the Department will establish a Public Transport Compliance, Inspection and Monitoring team to ensure safety of passengers and operators. Working with municipalities, we will ensure industry stability in affected areas by strengthening security in taxi ranks,” said MEC Mchunu.
Security companies have been caught in the forefront of conflict in the taxi industry and this has resulted to commuters being wounded or killed when there is exchange of gunfire.
In the KwaDukuza and KwaMaphumulo taxi conflict, 21 suspects have been arrested for alleged involvement in violence and most suspects are members of security companies.
Mchunu further mentioned that the contracted security companies will now link with law enforcement agencies of the Department and municipalities to work proactively to prevent conflict.
This initiative has started working in Newcastle and will now be implemented in Port Shepstone, where incidents of violence were reported recently.