Transport MEC for the Eastern Cape, Xolile Nqatha, has challenged provincial taxi sector leaders to combat illegal roadblocks and roadside extortion.
In a statement released on Thursday, Nqatha warned that the perpetrators of these illegal acts, purportedly committed by taxi operators, will soon face the full force of the law.
“We cannot allow a situation in which an illegal law enforcement structure parallels the goals of our government, torturing and extorting money from our people,” stated Nqatha.
“The public outrage over these illegal roadblocks has been heard, as has the added crime of extortion, which is frequently at the heart of these [illegal activities]. For this reason, I urge all law enforcement authorities in the province to take strong action against these illegal roadblocks.”
He also cautioned that the few individuals responsible for illegal barricades and extortion tarnish the taxi industry’s reputation.
»Transport MEC challenges taxi industry bosses to take stand«