WORCESTER: “If law enforcement refuses to act against illegal taxi operators in Worcester, we will take the law into our own hands.”

Charl Jacobs, secretary of the Worcester United Taxi Association (WUTA), issued this stern warning to Breede Valley Municipality, accusing them of refusing to lawfully act against taxi operators operating illegally in Worcester.

On Thursday (8 October) frustrations regarding the illegal operations reached breaking point when livid community members shut down the two main entrances to Zwelethemba.

Jacobs told Standard Breederivier Gazette that in an ongoing attempt to prevent taxis from operating illegally, WUTA will continue to pull these taxis from the roads and kindly instructs the passengers to get into their (WUTA’s) taxis.

He says in some instances the drivers of illegal taxis give their co-operation and even refund the passengers.

According to Jacobs there are approximately 17 taxis operating illegally in Worcester. “We have to stop this thing while we still can. We will continue protecting our main routes.”

WUTA together with other affected taxi associations affiliated to the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Western Cape under the Boland Region, expressed its serious concern in a statement regarding the continued operation of illegal public transport services, commonly referred to as pirating, within Worcester and surrounding communities, particularly Zwelethemba. According to WUTA its concern extends beyond the economic impact of these operations on legally authorised public transport operators.

It says at the centre of its concern is the safety, security and wellbeing of commuters who depend on public transport daily.

“The National Land Transport Act 5 of 2009 (NLTA), particularly section 50, requires persons operating road-based public transport services to hold the necessary operating licences or permits, subject to the provisions of the Act.

“Even where individuals possess valid operating licences, they are required to operate within the authorised services, routes and conditions attached to those licences. Having an operating licence does not automatically grant permission to transport passengers wherever one chooses.”

The associations are particularly concerned about reports of vehicles being used to transport passengers without the necessary authorisation, including reported activities involving Avanza (“amaphela”) and taxis not belonging to associations and without valid operating licenses in Zwelethemba.

“Concerns have also been raised regarding the roadworthiness of some vehicles and whether drivers possess valid Professional Driving Permits (as required by law).

“These are not merely regulatory concerns. They are matters of life and death. An unroadworthy vehicle places passengers, drivers and other road users at risk.

“Equally concerning is the possibility of commuters entering vehicles whose operators and drivers cannot readily be identified or traced.

“We therefore appeal directly to the commuting public: Please do not put your lives at risk for the sake of convenience. Every commuter deserves to reach their destination safely and return home to their family.”

WUTA says it is important to place on record that the affected associations have repeatedly written to the relevant municipalities and authorities, raising concerns about these operations and requesting intervention.

It says meetings have been held with officials of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in an effort to find a peaceful and lawful solution to the ongoing challenges.

The associations fully acknowledge that law enforcement and the impoundment of vehicles are responsibilities of duly authorised law enforcement officials, not taxi associations. Section 87 of the NLTA provides for the impoundment of vehicles by authorised officers where the legal requirements are met. We therefore reject intimidation, violence and any form of unlawful self-help enforcement.

“We call upon the relevant municipalities, the Western Cape Mobility Department, SAPS and traffic law enforcement authorities to intensify coordinated operations, verify operating licences, PrDPs and vehicle roadworthiness, and take appropriate action against those found to be operating unlawfully.

“Our appeal is simple: enforce the law before lives are lost.”

Standard Breederivier Gazette has reached out to Breede Valley Municipality for comment. Their response will be added once it is received.

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