NTA urges feuding Soweto taxi associations to end violence

Last week, the High Court ruled in favour of the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata) after the two associations took their battle to operate on key routes in Soweto to the courts.

The National Taxi Alliance (NTA) expressed its “deep sadness” at the resumption of violence between Wata and Nanduwe (Nancefield Dube West Association).

“We urge all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully. The taxi industry is a vital component of our public transportation system, as it transports more than 80% of the commuting public daily,” said the alliance’s Theo Malele.

Two people were killed when they were knocked down by vehicles driven by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).

The officers were responding to road blockages around Machaba Drive, near Elias Motsoaledi Road.

Other routes in the area were blocked, and an unconfirmed number of minibus taxis were vandalised due to the route dispute. 

“The JMPD vehicle was involved in a collision with a Nissan Tida. The collision resulted in the metro police vehicle colliding with three pedestrians who were standing on the side of the road,” said JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.

In total, seven people were involved in the accident.

“Tragically, two pedestrians lost their lives. A male pedestrian was declared deceased at the scene, and a female pedestrian succumbed to her injuries upon arrival at the hospital,” said Fihla.

A case of culpable homicide was registered at the Moroka police station.

At the same time, on Tuesday, the Gauteng Traffic Police, working with the Public Transport Intervention Unit (PTIU), responded to a road blockage in Soweto involving Nanduwe and Wata members. 

According to the Gauteng community safety department, several Wata taxis were impounded and stripped.

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