Taxi strike hits northern Johannesburg
Taxi drivers linked to the Alexandra Taxi Association have embarked on a one-day stayaway, protesting against law enforcement agencies and rising fuel costs.
Commuters pitched at deserted taxi ranks on Monday morning, leaving thousands of workers stranded.
Drivers on routes around Sandton, Midrand, Woodmead, Modderfontein and Alexandra have embarked on a protest action against the Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD) and high fuel consts.
They accuse the JMPD of targeting their taxis and confiscating and impounding the vehicles.
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According to JMPD spokesperson Edna Mamonyane, at least 500 taxis have been impounded since February for various traffic infringements.
"The Alexandra Taxi Associations are not happy with JMPD for enforcing the law. They are feeling aggrieved that most of their taxis have been taken. We are impounding taxis that have more than three or more defects."
Traffic officials have called it "bizarre" as some taxi drivers use pieces of paper that describe a company repairing microwaves, washing machines and stoves as their licence discs.
JMPD have denied reports of unlawful targeting taxi drivers.