SANTACO Condemns Illegal Taxi Patrol Conduct

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Limpopo has strongly condemned what it describes as illegal and dangerous conduct by individuals posing as Taxi Patrol officers on provincial routes.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Chairperson, Ngwepe Lesiba Frans, SANTACO Limpopo said it had received reports of private vehicles being stopped, chased and forced to pay money by people presenting themselves as Taxi Patrols. These vehicles are reportedly operating under the guise of monitoring routes but are allegedly engaging in unlawful activities.

SANTACO warned that such conduct is both illegal and reckless, placing the lives of route users and passengers at serious risk. The organisation said several incidents have already been reported in which motorists and passengers were pursued, resulting in injuries and near-fatal situations.

The council stressed that Taxi Patrol vehicles are not authorised to stop private vehicles or solicit money. Their mandate, SANTACO said, is to monitor taxi operations, safeguard passengers, assist operators when necessary, and support lawful, orderly and safe transport services.

“SANTACO Limpopo condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms,” the statement said, adding that the behaviour undermines public safety, erodes trust in legitimate taxi operations and damages the reputation of the taxi industry.

The organisation has called on all taxi operators and executives of taxi associations in Limpopo to take immediate disciplinary action against those involved. Suggested measures include reprimands, suspensions or other sanctions in line with association codes of conduct.

SANTACO also urged taxi operators and patrol teams to work closely with law-enforcement agencies and to report any violations, harassment or extortion immediately. Police and traffic authorities have been encouraged to collaborate with SANTACO to regulate patrol activities and ensure compliance with the law.

Addressing the travelling public, SANTACO reaffirmed its commitment to safe and lawful transport services and urged commuters to report any abuse of patrol powers to the police and relevant taxi associations.

With the festive season approaching, SANTACO appealed to all role-players to act with responsibility, integrity and respect for the law.