Western Cape Transport Minister, Daylin Mitchell announced on Friday, July 23, that all the taxi routes between Bellville and Paarl will be closed. This decision comes after members belonging to the CATA and CODETA taxi associations could not agree on Route 97, which is currently the main cause of the taxi violence that has claimed the lives of more than 70 people since the beginning of the year.
In terms of Section 91(2) of the National Land Transport Act of 2009, I officially announce my decision to close Route B97 between Mbekweni/Paarl and Bellville. This will be effective from Monday, 26 July 2021. @WCGovTPW @WesternCapeGov #TaxiViolence pic.twitter.com/0gEbcPLfHl
— MEC Daylin Mitchell (@mec_mitchell) July 23, 2021
According to Minister Mitchell, his decision follows the publication of his notice in the Government Gazelle which stated that Bellville and Paarl are areas in respect of which extraordinary measures in terms of Section 91 may be made.
“I have carefully considered all submissions in this respect, and after consultation with the SAPS, the Premier, and the National Minister of Transport, believe this to be the correct course of action,” Mitchell indicated.
No person may, for the duration of the closure period, undertake any minibus taxi-type services on a closed route or at a closed rank contemplated in paragraph (a), or in terms of an operating licence or permit suspended as contemplated in paragraph (b). @WCGovTPW @WesternCapeGo
— MEC Daylin Mitchell (@mec_mitchell) July 23, 2021
Mitchell says that the department might issue a temporary permit to an operator of a motor vehicle, minibus or a minibus taxi-type service, or to an operator of a bus to operate bus services on a closed route or at a closed rank during the closure period. However, if a minibus taxi operator who contravenes this notice, or fails to comply therewith commits an offence, they will be liable on conviction to a fine of R5000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.
Meanwhile, no new taxi-related incidents have been reported. Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz says the South African Police Services, supported by the SANDF, Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies, have really done an excellent job in bringing calm back to the streets after taxi violence caused havoc in Cape Town.
Golden Arrow Bus Service have also indicated that its services are operating at 90% of their regular service schedule after they were forced to limit services on Monday, July 19, as a result of one of their drivers being shot in the face.
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Picture: Twitter/@mec_mitchell