Mamabolo hits out at taxi industry after violence erupts in Joburg
Gauteng MEC for Transport, Roads and Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo has hit out at the taxi industry after violence erupted in the Joburg CBD on Saturday morning.
At least four taxis were burnt when warring associations knocked heads, while six other taxis were damaged.
It’s understood the tensions were sparked by disputes over routes between the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Association (Nanduwe).
Mamabolo says the incident is likely to slow progress made by the province in quelling taxi violence.
“We condemn these acts of violence between WATA and Nanduwe as they undermine the work that our department together with the taxi industry have been doing to stabilise the province.
“We call on the taxi industry to refrain from violence. Their leadership should take responsibility and end this,” Mamabolo adds.
Mamabolo is expected to meet with the associations later in the day.
“We have always advocated for negotiations as a way of dealing with conflicts amongst taxi associations. Days of solving conflict through violence are behind us here in Gauteng. This is the reason why I am extremely disappointed with the associations involved,” he adds.
Police are yet to make any arrests.
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