Two individuals have been apprehended for allegedly posing as members of a taxi association patrol squad along the N4 highway in the City of Tshwane.
The suspects were caught during a Fatela Road Safety operation conducted by the Public Transport Intervention Unit (PTIU) outside Bronkhorstspruit. The operation aimed to address the escalating incidents of extortion and fraudulent activities along the N4 route.
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The arrested individuals, who are reportedly undocumented foreign nationals, were found driving a vehicle with a false registration plate and a fraudulent license disc.
They would stop minibus taxis along the highway, threatening to impound the vehicles unless the drivers paid a spot fine of R2,500. The authorities also seized two minibus taxis believed to be involved in the illegal operation.
Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, the Gauteng Department of Transport and Logistics MEC, commended the PTIU for their swift action in apprehending the suspects. Diale-Tlabela emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order in the public transport system and expressed relief at the arrest of these individuals, who posed a serious threat to the peaceful operation of minibus taxis in the province.
In response to community concerns about similar incidents along the N4 route, the road safety program will continue throughout January.
The objective is to promote compliance and safe road usage in identified hotspots. Diale-Tlabela stressed the need for road safety education, responsible driving, and zero tolerance for lawlessness and drunk driving, as these are leading causes of road accidents.
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The PTIU will remain vigilant, ensuring compliance and visibility on provincial roads to enhance road safety. The arrest of these impostors serves as a warning to others who may attempt to exploit and intimidate minibus taxi drivers and passengers.
The authorities are committed to maintaining peace and order in the public transport system and will take decisive action against any such criminal activities.
