Taxi mother body, Santaco in the Western Cape says it will co-operate with law enforcement agencies in probing taxi-related crimes.
Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie earlier this week met with the police and the National Prosecuting Authority, following the recent murder of taxi leaders in the province.
Mackenzie asked the two institutions how the investigation into taxi-related murders is progressing.
The department said it is aware of around 555 taxi-related cases including murders and attempted murders committed between 2019 and 2022.
Mackenzie appealed to the justice cluster to take action against criminals in the industry
“The South African Police Services has a constitutional duty to prevent, combat and investigate crime. SAPS must also maintain public order, uphold and enforce the law and protect and secure citizens of the Republic of South Africa. Similarly, the National Prosecuting Authority has the power to institute criminal proceedings on behalf of the state and to carry out any necessary functions incidental to instituting criminal proceedings”.
Santanco says a lot needs to be done to resolve several disputes among taxi operators.
First deputy chairperson, Nceba Enge says they welcome the commitment to get rid of the violence within the industry.
” We cannot dispute that the MEC is assisting in this regard, they’re doing all in their power to resolve the problem. The meeting with law enforcement agencies and others is to explore all the avenues to try to get the solution”.
