Taxi drivers won't bully us, says City of Joburg
Thousands of commuters were left stranded in Johannesburg on Monday after several taxi associations embarked on a one-day strike.
The taxi associations are protesting against the impounding of their vehicles by the Johannesburg Metro Police and the rising cost of fuel.
The city's MMC of Public Safety, Micheal Sun, says they won't be bullied by taxi drivers.
"The reason of this strike was to counter the impoundment of unroadworthy, illegal and unsafe taxis by the Johannesburg Metropolitan police."
Sun says the impounding of vehicles formed part of an operation called 'Buya Mthetho' which aims at restoring law and order in the city.
"We want to urge all operators to engage with us in a more professional and more mature manner. Together we can sit and come up with sustainable solutions the in benefit of everybody."
Sun says not only taxis were impounded and therefor there is no truth in allegations that the city is employing selective law enforcement.
"We have also impounded over 60 illegal trucks that were caught illegally dumping rubbish in the city."
Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Edna Mamonyane says at least 500 taxis have been impounded for various traffic infringements since February .
"We will ensure that safety of our residents, law, and order are maintained."