George taxis could lose license over probe

Recent protests that saw Go George buses set alight. Photo:File

Recent protests that saw Go George buses set alight. Photo:File

Published Sep 29, 2015

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Cape Town - About 50 taxi operating licences aligned to the Uncedo George Taxi Association could be suspended or cancelled as the Western Cape government’s probe into the violent bus protest action in George recently gains momentum.

Roads were barricaded, buses set alight and CCTV cameras and police vehicles damaged as disgruntled taxi operators demanded a halt on the implementation of the Go George bus service and an urgent review of negotiations surrounding the deal.

The department of transport and public works, which is responsible for the regulation of public transport services in the province explained that operators found to be involved in the violence and damage to property run the risk of having their operating licences cancelled while registered operators who are not considered fit and proper to provide public transport services have their registration certificates cancelled.

A team from the Western Cape Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) acting in terms of section 79 of the National Land Transport Act, held another round of hearings in Oudtshoorn last week to consider the possible suspension or cancellation.

The department has confirmed that more vehicles have been implicated after CCTV footage was studied and other evidence obtained.

Byron la Hoe, spokesman for the department, said as a precautionary security measure, road blocks and police controlled access to the site where the hearings were held in Oudtshoorn, were put in place.

He added that the regulatory entity took action after police linked vehicles owned by members of the association to the George protest action.

He added that initially only 26 taxi operating licences had been facing possible cancellation but the figure has now increased to 50.

La Hoe said various government agencies were engaged in investigations into the violence and traffic disruption.

Alleged offenders have been charged with violating the code of conduct for minibus-taxi operators, and certain conditions of their operating licences.

The department said the complainants in the matter are the police, the Traffic Department and the George Municipality.

Phase 2 of the hearing has been set down for October 30 to give the parties and their legal teams time to prepare while Phase 3 hearings are likely to take place in November.

Speaking on behalf of the George taxi industry Cornelius Esau said the entire process was a witch-hunt against disgruntled operators. Esau said they would issue a statement later on Tuesday.

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Cape Argus

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