Gauteng’s ongoing crackdown on unsafe and illegal vehicles is beginning to expose the scale of the problem, with more than 100 minibus taxis taken off the road in just one week of intensified operations.
This comes as the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport conducted a week-long operation from 20 to 26 April. The Gauteng Provincial Government, through the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), intensified high-impact stop-and-search operations across Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
Officers targeted major public transport corridors known for high levels of traffic violations and non-compliance.
The crackdown exposed serious safety risks within the public transport sector. More than 100 minibus taxis were discontinued after being found with critical mechanical defects, including faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken headlights, defective indicators and cracked windscreens.
A further 128 vehicles were issued with discontinuation notices across the three metros, while enforcement teams uncovered widespread illegal operations. A total of 195 minibus drivers were found operating without valid driving licences, and an additional 75 vehicles were running without licence discs.
Authorities said the extent of the violations is deeply concerning, particularly in a sector relied upon by millions. The Department has since engaged taxi leadership in an effort to address persistent non-compliance.
Enforcement efforts also extended to driver behaviour, with more than 900 manual infringement notices issued and 772 electronic fines processed through the e-Force system.
The operations further resulted in the arrest of three motorists on serious charges, including driving under the influence, bribery and interference with law enforcement officials.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the results should serve as a clear warning to offenders.
“The arrests as a result of these operations should send a clear message that criminal conduct and reckless behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated. Those who continue to endanger others on public roads must know the law will catch up. You will be held to account.”
She commended enforcement officers for their commitment, noting that these coordinated operations form part of an ongoing effort to improve road safety, enforce compliance and tackle criminal conduct across Gauteng’s transport network.
The Star
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