Authorities move to curb rogue taxi operators after violence and intimidation hit the community
Staff Reporter
A law enforcement operation targeting unlawful minibus taxi activity in Atlantis resulted in eight vehicles being impounded and 24 fines amounting to R118,000 issued as provincial ministers led a coordinated crackdown following a surge of violence linked to the local taxi industry.
Officials screened 63 vehicles during the high visibility operation on Wednesday 4 March, which brought together multiple law enforcement agencies to conduct vehicle checks and patrols aimed at stabilising the area and protecting commuters.
The intervention was led by Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku and the MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, as concern deepens over intimidation and violent disputes within the taxi industry that have left several residents, including children, injured.
Authorities said the fines were issued for a range of traffic violations, including defective brake lights, worn tyres, faulty brakes, disobeying road signs, and vehicles operating with non functioning seatbelts. The eight vehicles impounded were operated by drivers without valid licences or drivers’ professional permits.
Provincial traffic officials have maintained a sustained presence in Atlantis since tensions escalated, as authorities attempt to deter further violence and restore confidence in public transport safety.
Sileku said the province was determined to confront what he described as the proliferation of unlicensed taxi operators.
“As a government, we remain resolute in addressing the root causes of this violence, particularly the spread of unregulated operators,” he said. “We will not allow rogue operators to intimidate communities, undermine compliant businesses or destabilise public transport services,” said Sileku.
Marais warned that disputes within the industry must not be settled through violence.
“Criminal conduct that places residents at risk will not be tolerated. Any operator who resorts to lawlessness will face the full force of the law,” she said.
Western Cape Mobility Department spokesperson Muneera Allie said the provincial government would continue working with stakeholders in the taxi industry to ensure residents in Atlantis have access to safe, reliable and lawful public transport.
Residents were urged to report intimidation or criminal activity and to use licensed transport services.