JMPD ‘to throw book’ at overloaded taxis, cars
The Johannesburg metro police has issued a stern warning to taxi drivers contravening lockdown regulations.
Spokesperson Wayne Minnaar says law enforcement won’t hesitate to throw the book at them.
This comes after another taxi overturned in the south of Johannesburg on Tuesday, leaving 13 people injured.
“The accident happened on the M1 North at Xavier off ramp this morning when the taxi overturned,” says metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar.
“The taxi was transporting more than 10 passengers and at least 8 of the passengers had been injured seriously and had to be taken to various hospitals. The driver of the taxi was also injured.
“There has been a docket opened against the driver for reckless and negligent driving, as well as for contravening the Covid-19 regulations.”
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This is the second overloaded taxi to overturn since the regulations were put in place by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula last week.
The regulations state that a taxi may only carry 70% of its capacity, which comes down to no more than 10 people in a 15-seater.
Minnaar has urged motorists to follow the rules.
“It’s important that all taxi drivers and operators comply with the Covid-19 regulations and that all public motor vehicles and taxis should not be overloaded.”