The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has distanced itself from taxi patrol vehicles accused of chasing and harassing private vehicles operating as informal hitch-hiking services in Limpopo.
The clarification follows an incident on Sunday along the R101 outside Mokopane, where vehicles linked to a local taxi association allegedly attempted to stop a Toyota Avanza. During the encounter, one of the patrol vehicles is reported to have attacked the driver, who fled the scene before losing control and colliding head-on with a Mercedes-Benz.
Police have since opened cases of reckless or negligent driving and attempted murder. No arrests have been made at this stage, as investigations are ongoing.
Santaco provincial chairperson Ngwepe Lesiba Frans said the organisation has noted an increase in individuals posing as taxi patrols who stop, chase and allegedly extort money from private motorists.
He warned that such conduct has already resulted in several dangerous incidents, placing both passengers and other road users at risk.
According to Frans, these actions undermine public safety, damage trust in legitimate taxi operations and tarnish the reputation of the taxi industry.
He stressed that taxi patrols are authorised solely to monitor taxi operations, safeguard passengers, assist operators and support lawful transport services. They are not permitted to stop private vehicles or solicit money under any circumstances.
Santaco has urged taxi operators and executives across Limpopo to take immediate disciplinary action against anyone found to be involved in such misconduct.
Appropriate measures, including reprimands or suspensions, should be implemented in line with the organisation’s codes of conduct to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
The council has also encouraged patrollers and members of the public to report any harassment or violations to law enforcement authorities.
It further called on police and traffic officials to work closely with the taxi industry to monitor and regulate patrol activities, ensuring public safety and lawful conduct across all routes.
Reassuring the travelling public, Frans said Santaco remains committed to promoting safe and lawful transport. He appealed to road users to report any misuse of patrol powers or unlawful behaviour by individuals presenting themselves as taxi patrols.
Ahead of the festive season, Santaco has called on all taxi operators to review and reinforce patrol codes of conduct.
The organisation has also emphasised the importance of ensuring that all patrol units carry visible identification and proper authorisation to prevent abuse.
Santaco has urged all stakeholders to operate responsibly and with respect for the law, calling for a safe and harassment-free festive season for drivers, passengers and communities alike.
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