Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
South Africa’s National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has strongly condemned the ongoing abuse of travellers, including those entering South Africa via the Beitbridge border post, by individuals claiming to be Taxi Patrol teams across Limpopo province.
The worst affected are part of the 15,000 international and regional travellers who connect daily between Musina and the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) busiest inland border, Beitbridge, using public transport.
In some cases, travellers are ordered to disembark from certain vehicles and forced into alternative modes of transport or even assaulted for boarding specific types of vehicles. The abuse also involves car chases that often result in serious or fatal incidents along major roads.
This misconduct is particularly common during peak travel times, as more people move within the province and cross borders.
SANTACO Limpopo chairperson, Mr. Ngwepe Lesiba Frans, expressed concern on Monday over a troubling trend where certain private vehicles, operating as unofficial hitchhiking transport, are stopped, chased, and extorted for money by individuals presenting themselves as Taxi Patrols.
“This conduct is illegal, dangerous, and contrary to the values and objectives of SANTACO Limpopo,” he said.
“This unbecoming behaviour has already resulted in several incidents where route users and passengers were pursued, causing harm and endangering lives.
“Such actions undermine public safety, erode trust in legitimate taxi operations, and tarnish the reputation of the taxi industry as a whole.”
Mr. Frans stated that SANTACO Limpopo condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms.
He clarified that Taxi Patrol vehicles exist to monitor taxi operations, safeguard passengers, assist taxi operators where needed, and support lawful, orderly, and safe transport services.
“The official said such patrol teams are not authorized to stop private vehicles or solicit money from route users.”
“We call upon all Taxi Operators and Executives of the Taxi Associations in the Limpopo Province to take immediate disciplinary action against anyone involved in these activities,” said Mr. Frans.
“Reprimands, suspensions, or other appropriate measures should be applied in line with association codes of conduct and sectoral regulations to deter future occurrences. It is essential that Taxi Operators and Patrollers engage law enforcement whenever violations to taxi operations or unlawful harassment and extortion by any party occur.
“Law enforcement officers should be informed promptly to ensure that due process is followed and that order is restored. We urge police and traffic authorities to collaborate with SANTACO Limpopo to monitor and regulate patrol activities, reinforcing public safety and lawful conduct on all routes.”
He advised travellers to report all illegal activities within the taxi industry to the police or the respective taxi associations in their areas.
Mr. Frans also called on all Taxi Operators, Executives, and Patrol Teams to review and reinforce the codes of conduct governing patrol activities and to ensure visible, recognizable identification and proper authorization for all patrol units.
He added that they need to establish clear protocols for engaging law enforcement when violations are observed and provide ongoing training on passenger safety, traffic laws, and respectful operations.
“They need to maintain open channels of communication with passengers, drivers, and the public to address concerns promptly,” said Mr. Frans.
“As we approach the festive season, we urge everyone to conduct operations with responsibility, integrity, and respect for the law. We wish all our members, drivers, passengers, and the broader community a happy and fruitful festive season free from harassment and harm.”
