Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has raised serious concerns about the escalating violence within the province’s taxi industry, following a spate of murders that has claimed nearly 60 lives in 2025 alone.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Diale-Tlabela described the situation as “alarming,” with taxi bosses allegedly hiring heavily armed private security teams, rivaling presidential protection units.
The MEC decried a lack of accountability and law enforcement response, despite the continued bloodshed.
“In just over three months, 59 people have died, and no one has been arrested,” she said. “This is deeply concerning, especially as innocent commuters are often caught in the crossfire.”
Taxi Bosses Living Large Amid Violence And Extortion Allegations
Diale-Tlabela also called for urgent lifestyle audits of taxi industry leaders, accusing some of exploiting the system for personal gain.
According to her, some operators are moving with up to 13 armed bodyguards and funding opulent lifestyles at the expense of other legitimate taxi owners.
“Operators are being forced to pay exorbitant amounts to fund these lifestyles,” she said. “When we meet with these taxi bosses, it’s like a military zone – guns, bodyguards, and intimidation.”
She emphasized the growing frustration among law-abiding taxi owners who feel suffocated by corruption, extortion, and unchecked power within the industry.
Gauteng Government Considers Taxi Rank Shutdown Amid Spiraling Chaos
In response to the ongoing violence, the Gauteng provincial government is weighing the drastic step of shutting down taxi ranks across the province.
Diale-Tlabela said that while this is being considered as a way to restore order, it is not a long-term solution.
“We can’t permanently close ranks, but we must disrupt this culture of violence,” she said. “There needs to be real accountability, and law enforcement must step up.”
The MEC confirmed that the province will soon engage police leadership to demand answers on why so many murders have gone unresolved.
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