Growing fears over taxi patrol abuse after video shows motorist assault

A viral video showing a motorist being assaulted by taxi patrollers in Vanderbijlpark has sparked outrage.

The man was allegedly attacked by the Civic Centre Taxi Association while driving with a passenger in his car.

The incident has raised serious questions about the role of taxi patrollers.

Taxi industry body Santaco condemned the attack.

"We really regret the action of violence that we saw, but most importantly, the association is taking its steps to investigate the whole matter," said Santaco Gauteng Chairperson Midday Mali.

He said the men seen in the video have been suspended.

"I want to apologise to the community for that act of violence."

Mali admitted the incident caught on camera was not an isolated one, and said Santaco is committed to working on the issues faced within the industry.

Taxi patrollers are meant to assist with traffic management and safety, but many people are now left questioning how much power patrollers actually have.

"Their duty is to make sure they take care of their routes. We don't give them any authority to take the law into their own hands."

Mali said they are trying to work with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deal with the challenges faced by the industry, including those outside of Santaco encroaching on local routes.

"Associations have written letters to us to complain that their routes are invaded by people who are not the taxi operators. Other people; they invade their routes illegally."

For more information, listen to Mali using the audio player below: