Santaco has distanced itself from taxi patrol vehicles that have been chasing and harassing private vehicles operating as unofficial hitch-hiking in Limpopo. This comes amid reports of a motorist who was attacked on the R101 outside Mokopane. According to Santaco, these individuals posing as taxi patrols stop, chase and solicit money from private vehicles operating as unofficial hitchhiking services.
“This unbecoming behaviour has already resulted in several incidents where route users and passengers were pursued, causing harm and endangering lives,” said Santaco provincial chairpersonNgwepe Lesiba Frans. “Such actions undermine public safety, erode trust in legitimate taxi operations, and tarnish the reputation of the taxi industry as a whole.” Santaco has condemned the taxi patrols’ conduct, emphasising that they are not authorised to stop private vehicles. “The taxi patrol vehicles exist to monitor taxi operations, safeguard passengers, assist taxi operators where a need arises, and support lawful, orderly, and safe transport services.
They are not authorised to stop private vehicles or solicit money from route users,” said Santaco. “We call upon all Taxi Operators and Executives of the Taxi Associations in the Limpopo Province to take immediate disciplinary action against anyone involved in these activities. Reprimands, suspensions, or other appropriate measures should be applied in line with the association’s codes of conduct and sectoral regulations to deter future occurrences.
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“It is essential that Taxi Operators and Patrollers engage law enforcement whenever they witness violations of taxi operations or unlawful harassment and extortion by any party. Law enforcement officers should be promptly informed to ensure due process is followed and order is restored. We urge the police and traffic authorities to collaborate with Santaco Limpopo to monitor and regulate patrol activities, thereby reinforcing public safety and lawful conduct across all routes.
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