MEC Macie warns taxi operators to stop bullying other motorists

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane

Mpumalanga MEC for DCSSL(Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison), Jackie Macie, says the harassing and bullying of other motorists by taxi operators will not be tolerated.

Macie was responding to a video that went viral on social media depicting a taxi patrol vehicle allegedly harassing motorists on the N4 Toll Road on separate occasions. The incident on the said video reportedly caused a disruption of traffic flows. The action was reportedly a ‘forceful’ attempt by taxi operators to stop other motorists from giving lifts to hitchhikers.

Macie said there’s no single taxi operator who owns the road in this country. According to the MEC, some taxi operators show no regard for road rules and human life.

“ The arrogant driver(on the video) clearly cared less about the safety of other road users. He was making it difficult for other drivers to use the road safely. These types of rogue operators and their friends must be held accountable and be accordingly punished,” said Macie.

The MEC said the government acknowledges that the taxi industry plays a role in the growth of the country’s economy and the creation of jobs. He also said that the need to make a profit is understandable but it should not come at the expense of other road users.

“ We are not a banana republic, and these levels of lawlessness must not only be condemned, but those responsible must be harshly dealt with. Where there are problems, they should be amicably resolved without others resorting to vigilantism or breaking the law,” said Macie.