BDFM Online
Friday, November 24, 2006
LAW enforcement agencies will in future take strong action against taxi drivers who engage in lawlessness and violent conduct, the cabinet warned today.
Briefing the media in Pretoria following yesterday's fortnightly cabinet meeting, government communications head Themba Maseko said a small "splinter group" within the industry was responsible for the recent violent protests against the taxi recapitalisation project.
"Government condemns the conduct of taxi drivers during the recent demonstrations, which led to disruption of traffic, damage to property and injuries to innocent civilians.
"While we respect the right of every citizen, including taxi drivers, to peaceful protest, breaking the law can never be justified.
"Law enforcement agencies will take strong action to prevent lawlessness in future."
He said the campaign to replace ageing taxi fleet with safe, reliable and clean vehicles had the full support of the industry, with the exception of one group.
"A splinter group within the taxi industry is actually spearheading a lot of these [violent] activities.
Transport Minister Jeff Radebe would meet this group over the next week to hear their concerns, and to see what could be done.
"But we will not tolerate any form of criminality or violent conduct in any part of the country, by this or any other group."
Asked the name of the "splinter" group, he said: "I think they call themselves the National Taxi Association, or Alliance, or something like that."