Government steps in at Pretoria east taxi protest
Gauteng roads and transport departmental spokeswoman Octavia Mamabolo said Makhura, Ramokgopa, members of the executive council, national transport department and community representatives met on Friday after the disruptions of Autopax bus services in the area.
“The meeting unanimously agreed that Autopax will continue to render the services as per the interim contract agreement whilst engagements with the taxi industry continue.
The violence is totally unacceptable and government will not be held to ransom and that order will be restored in Mamelodi with more law enforcements agencies to be deployed,” she said in a statement.
“Premier Makhura stressed that the government’s view is that commuters are the primary focus and that they have a right to use a transport mode of their choice based on price, safety and reliability.
The community members expressed their satisfaction with Autopax services and appealed to the government to ensure that calm and order is restored in the area.”
She said a follow-up meeting between government, transport stakeholders, community organisations and the Mamelodi community would be held on Sunday.
The protest by taxi operators began early this week in response to the introduction of Autopax bus services. Autopax has been appointed by the government to take over certain selected routes in Gauteng previously run by Putco.
On Friday morning, a Putco spokesman confirmed that five people were shot and wounded in the township east of Pretoria.
“We can confirm that a driver and four passengers have been shot at but are alive and in a stable condition,” said Putco spokesperson Tshepo Tsotsotso.
“At present, we can’t confirm the motive of the shooting as it took place on a scheduled route, not one of the contested routes. The injured have been taken to hospital.”
Tsotsotso said the shooting took place at Nellmapius region, en route from Mamelodi to the CBD.
“At this point, we have got our ears on the ground and are talking to the leadership of the taxi protestors,” said Tsotsotso.
“We are in the process of beefing up security as our main concern is in securing the safety of our drivers and commuters.”
Gauteng Premier David Makhura, Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa and other role players have stepped in after five people, including a Putco bus driver, were shot and wounded in Mamelodi township, Pretoria on Friday.
File photo: Karabo Ngoepe
Video: Karabo Ngoepe
ANA