Taxi Patroller Brutality Hits The Vaal As Viral Assault Sparks Police Probe

A growing wave of alleged abuse of power by taxi industry patrollers has now reached the Vaal, following a violent incident that has drawn widespread outrage on social media.

The controversy erupted after a viral video surfaced showing Civic Centre patrollers assaulting a motorist, placing renewed scrutiny on the conduct of taxi enforcement structures.

Viral Video Shows Motorist Dragged From Car By Taxi Patrollers

According to information obtained by SurgeZirc SA, the patrollers allegedly stopped the driver, accused him of transporting passengers, dragged him out of his vehicle and assaulted him.

The incident has since been reported to police, with a case opened at Vanderbijlpark Police Station. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the assault is under way.

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The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has strongly condemned the attack, distancing the organisation from the actions of those involved.

Santaco spokesperson Rebecca Phala described the incident as “criminality” and confirmed that the patrollers implicated have been suspended.

“We are very concerned. The patrollers are employed to protect the taxi business and support the marshals at our taxi ranks. They have no authority to take people out of vehicles,” Phala said.

She urged members of the public to report similar incidents to the police. “We need to rid the industry of this criminal behaviour,” she added.

Police Investigation Under Way as Arrests Pending

Phala said Santaco is tightening its recruitment processes in an effort to curb further incidents, including the introduction of criminal record checks for patrollers.

She also called on law enforcement to take decisive action. “Police also need to do their bit. We suspect these acts continue because people are not being arrested. We urge law enforcement to take this case with the seriousness it deserves,” she said.

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakato Sello confirmed that a case of common assault was opened on January 12. No arrests have been made at this stage.

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