The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has intensified its crackdown on non-compliant
public transport, with more than 80 minibus taxis discontinued during recent high-impact
stop-and-search operations across the province.
The operations, conducted by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) in collaboration with the
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), took place between 13 and 19 April 2026 across
Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. Authorities say the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts
to improve road safety, curb lawlessness and protect critical road infrastructure.
During the week-long operation, ten vehicles were impounded in Ekurhuleni, while a total of 82
minibus taxis were discontinued and immediately removed from the roads. This included 18 in
Tshwane and 64 in Johannesburg, highlighting the scale of non-compliance across major urban
centres.
Officials said the vehicles were taken off the road due to serious mechanical defects that posed a
danger to passengers and other road users. These included faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken
headlights, defective indicators and cracked windscreens.
Beyond vehicle condition, enforcement efforts also targeted driver behaviour and regulatory
compliance. More than 1,000 manual infringement notices were issued, alongside 825 electronic
fines processed through the e-force system.
Authorities further revealed that 267 taxi drivers were found operating without valid driving licences,
while 174 vehicles were on the road without valid licence discs — raising serious concerns about
accountability within the sector.
Law enforcement action extended beyond fines, with four motorists arrested for offences including
driving under the influence, fraud and damage to state property.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela expressed concern over what she
described as a growing trend of non-compliance within the taxi industry.
“Our teams have noted this trend developing in recent years. I will continue to take this up with
industry leaders to assist in rooting out this practice. We wish to reiterate that this is risky,
unacceptable and puts other road users in extreme danger,” she said.
She added that the scale of violations reflects the daily challenges faced by enforcement officers.
“The figures we are seeing today reflect the scale of non-compliance our officers deal with every
day. Our message is clear, if you do not comply, you will not operate. Road safety is
non-negotiable.”
The MEC also commended officers for their efforts in strengthening compliance and tackling
lawlessness in the public transport sector, praising their dedication as part of the province’s broader
TacklingG13 initiative.
The operations form part of the Department’s ongoing road safety campaign aimed at reducing
crashes and fatalities while promoting responsible behaviour among all road users.
