National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola recently addressed the contentious role of taxi patrollers on South Africa's roads, asserting that they do not have the authority to stop motorists from giving rides to passengers.
This statement comes in light of a viral video showing a taxi patrol vehicle blocking a car on the highway for allegedly picking up hitchhikers.
Masemola clarified in an interview with Radio 702, “While we recognize that these vehicles are referred to as patrollers, they are limited to monitoring their own taxis. They do not have the right to stop any other motorists on public roads, whether it's a neighbor or anyone else.” He emphasized that their jurisdiction is confined to their own taxis, and any harassment of the general public is unacceptable.
This issue has been highlighted by multiple reports of taxi patrollers confronting motorists for providing lifts to hitchhikers. In response, Masemola indicated that police leadership would engage with the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) to address these behaviors.
“I will discuss this with the provincial commissioner to ensure there is a dialogue with the taxi association,” Masemola stated. “They can monitor their own taxis, but they cannot interfere with other drivers on public roads.”
In defense of the patrollers, Santaco Mpumalanga chairperson Fanyana Sibanyoni argued that their actions are intended to protect the interests of taxi drivers. “Every business needs security, and the taxi industry is no different. It's important for us to ensure the safety of our drivers and their livelihoods,” he explained in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
Sibanyoni added that private car owners should not be picking up hitchhikers, including family members, as it poses safety risks and undermines the permit system for transporting passengers. “It's our business,” he insisted. “Taxi operators hold permits to load passengers, and others should not infringe on that by offering rides.”
He advised that if drivers encounter a patrol car while picking up a family member, they should stop and explain the situation to the patrollers, suggesting that cooperation would likely ease any tensions.
As the debate continues, the need for clear communication and understanding between taxi associations, patrollers, and the public is more pressing than ever.