Gauteng taxi violence: Seven bust for Soweto, Joburg CBD attacks

Seven people have been arrested in connection with the recent taxi violence in Johannesburg and Soweto as Gauteng’s anti-taxi violence unit strives to improve commuter safety. 

Four minibus taxis were torched in Johannesburg near the Carlton Centre last month while six other minibus taxis were damaged following a dispute between drivers from the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (WATA) and the Nancefield Dube West Association (Nanduwe). This was followed by two other minibus taxis being damaged in Soweto.

The suspects face charges including malicious damage to property and serious assault.

"The violent incidents are believed to have culminated from tensions over routes between the two associations," police spokesperson Brig Brenda Muridili said.

"Two drivers were assaulted on October 15, followed by the Johannesburg torching and damaging of minibus taxis, and then Soweto with two more incidents of damages to minibus taxis.

"These seven arrests are the result of Gauteng’s anti-taxi violence unit that is working hard to identify the people that are involved in taxi violence in order to bring about order and stability in this industry to ensure commuter safety," Muridili said.

Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela commended the team for effecting the arrests.

“I am happy with the progress that we are making in bringing to book people that have no regard for other people’s well-being and property. We will never allow a situation where people go around severely assaulting others and damaging their sources of income just because they are failing to resolve their conflict amicably,” said Mawela.

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