‘City will not be intimidated by lawless road users’ Mayor Mashaba

City of Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba invited members of the media to see first-hand un-roadworthy, unlicensed and illegal vehicles which have been impounded by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) under Operation Buya Mthetho.

Present during the occassion was, Chief of JMPD, Mr David Tembe, MMC for Public Safety, Cllr Michael Sun and Chief Whip of Council, Dr Kevin Wax.

This follows Monday’s strike by an Alexandra-based taxi association aimed at countering JMPD’s efforts to enforce the rule of law in our city.

Cllr Mashaba said that, “the strike left hundreds of commuters stranded and we are aware of reports that a driver of a bakkie was intimidated for giving stranded commuters a lift in Killarney.”

“This kind of intimidation and reckless behaviour conducted by individuals who do not want to adhere to the rule of law, will not be tolerated. The City has not sought to specifically target any members of the taxi industry. Rather, the City is enforcing the rule of law for all road users in order to ensure the safety of all residents,” said Mashaba, as he clarified the City’s position on enforcing the rule of law on Johannesburg’s roads.

So far, 500 vehicles, including taxis, bakkies and illegal dumper trucks have been impounded by JMPD since the commencement of Operation Buya Mthetho in February 2018, due to them being un-roadworthy, unlicensed or illegal.

“It is also crucial to note that legal compliances by motorists and their vehicles in line with legislation such as the National Road Traffic Act are compulsory and enforcement are not selective, but applies across the board.

One part of this multi-focused operation is to ensure road safety and to restore law and order. It is the mandate of our Public Safety Department to ensure the safety of our residents, as well as ensure that law and order are maintained,” he added.

The Department of Public Safety has announced that it will continue with law enforcement through Operation Buya Mthetho and vehicles deemed to be illegal and / or unsafe will be impounded.

“We want to see lawful and responsible public transport operators flourish in their businesses and urge all commuters, transport business owners and motorists to co-operate with each other to ensure safer roads for all of us.” Mashaba concluded.