Rustenburg - Nine people were arrested after a group of taxi drivers blocked some roads in Mahikeng on Monday, North West police said.
“It is reported that a group of concerned taxi drives stopped buses and delivery trucks this morning at Mahikeng, Mmabatho, Brey and Lomanyaneng. They took keys from the drivers and blocked roads with the buses and trucks,” said Captain Paul Ramaloko.
He said police managed to recover the keys and nine people were arrested in Mmabatho on charges of intimidation and would face more charges related to the contravention of the Road Traffic Act and the Gathering Act.
“So far 10 taxis were impounded and the owners will have to pay a substantial amount to release them,” he said.
Disgruntled taxi drivers blocked the roads in the North West capital protesting against the introduction of the Reakgona high frequently bus service. TheYclaimed the bus service would put them out of business.
On Friday, taxi drivers blocked all major intersections in Mahikeng, disturbing the flow of traffic.
North West Transport MEC Gaoage Molapisi launched the bus service on Wednesday. It is part of the Mahikeng, Rebranding, Renewal and Repositioning (MRRR) program. It is also intended to reduce private car dependency and traffic congestion especially during peak hours.
North West acting police provincial commissioner Major General Lebeoana Tsumane warned the concerned group to be responsible when voicing out their concerns. “We will not allow the community to be intimidated in any form. There are legal channels to gather and voice-out. We are encouraging the use of legal channels.”
ANA