Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi has announced immediate shut down of the Tsakane Taxi. The taxi rank will remain closed until the security situation relating to taxi industry in the area stabilises.
No taxis will be allowed to operate from the Tsakane taxi rank and law enforcement personnel will be deployed to the affected area tonight. This drastic administrative measure is necessary to protect the lives of commuters and taxi drivers. It is in the interest of public safety.
Commuters in the Tsakane/Brakpan area have been urged to make alternative transport arrangements following the taxi violence this morning that left four taxi drivers dead and six others seriously injured.
Eight people believed to be six private security guards and two taxi owners have been arrested in connection with the shootings.
Vadi together with Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane have condemned the killings and appealed to rival taxi associations to work together to find solutions to their problems without endangering the lives of commuters and their members.