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KZN premier calls for end to taxi violence

Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu has warned that the time for disregard for state authority is over.

He was speaking after the signing of a working agreement involving KwaZulu-Natal government, taxi associations and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority in KwaDukuza in the Ilembe District Municipality.

In terms of this working agreement, all parties have agreed to work together to ensure law enforcement. Parties will implement joint programmes within the ambit of the law to deal with issues related to taxi operations in Ilembe district.

The signing of this agreement follows a meeting convened by the premier to deal with an ongoing taxi violence involving Mandeni, KwaMaphumulo, KwaDukuza and Dolphin Coast taxi associations. Associations have employed security companies who have been also blamed for fuelling taxi related violence.

The spiralling incidents of violence which dates back to 1988 has resulted in a number of unnecessary deaths. More than 42 cases of murder, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms are being investigated by the South African Police Services.

In the meeting, Mchunu reiterated that South Africa has a constitution and Bill of Rights which are respected and held in high esteem throughout the world.

“This province not long ago emerged from a very difficult and devastating period of low intensity politically motivated warfare. We are all aware of the huge amounts of sorrow, grief, loss, displacements and several other horrors this violence brought to the citizens of this province.”

“We do not wish to see a return to that state of lawlessness which saw the losses of thousands, mostly innocent lives. There are a few trigger-happy and stubborn elements which are responsible for the instability in the taxi industry and these individuals must be isolated.

“We must make a difference between 'chance-takers', so-called izinkabi or hitmen and those who are earning a legitimate living. Our message as government is that you must never allow bad elements to destroy your business which is legitimate," said Mchunu.

Mchunu highlighted problems ranging from the killing of taxi operators, lawlessness in the taxi industry, conflict over routes, power struggles over the control of associations and the increase of taxi fares. There is also the issue of permits and the recapitalisation.

“It is important to reiterate that as government our position has always been very clear – that where there are problems, let's all engage and find solutions. Violence will not resolve differences; instead, it deepens divisions and complicates the situation," said Mchunu.

"What is more distressing is that many leaders in Ilembe District have decided to stay out of the conflict out of fear and concern for their own safety. This indicates the seriousness and importance of the meeting of the KZN government, leadership of municipalities, taxi associations, political parties and the security industry.”

Statistics show that more than 14 million people use taxis in SA every day.

“We cannot afford to have the taxi industry being wrecked by so much havoc, and thus the need to engage everyone involved and make sure we stabilise the taxi industry in the best interests of commuters and the people of Ilembe,” said Mchunu.

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