Court rules against placing taxi associations under administration
The high court in Pretoria has ruled in favour of three Gauteng taxi associations following a bid to place them under administration.
An urgent application to have the associations linked to the recent taxi violence in Gauteng put under administration was heard in Pretoria on Thursday.
At least 10 people have died in recent weeks in the violence believed to be over lucrative taxi routes.
Roads and Transport MEC Jacob Mamabolo says the court ordered the provincial government to facilitate talks with the association on a way forward.
Mamabolo welcomed the decision by the court saying they remain committed to stabilising the industry.
"The court made the directive basically acceding to the plea made by the three fighting taxi associations that approached court in which they requested that the provincial government must coordinate, facilitate and negotiate a settlement.”
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Mbalula says lawlessness has taken over the roads of the country and it cannot be allowed to continue. The minister urged the police to play their part and not take bribes from drunk and reckless drivers. "You must be visible, you must be seen on the streets. Drunks have taken over the streets.
Negotiations are set to begin on Friday.
Mambolo says the court will revisit its decision after discussions have taken place.
"Next week Wednesday the parties will have to file papers again with the court on the outcomes of the negotiated process and to that extent.
"If there is no agreement the court will still say this is then the decision on the application we've made today, requesting a full granting of an interdict that entrusts us with the activities of these associations. Of course we intend appointing administrators to assume full control," he adds.
Mamabolo says they will not tolerate the province being turned into a war zone.