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Gauteng crackdown removes more than 100 unsafe taxis and vehicles
For many commuters, the morning taxi ride is simply part of daily life. But behind the familiar routine of squeezing into a minibus on the way to work or school, road safety remains a growing concern across Gauteng.
In the first week of March 2026, provincial authorities stepped up enforcement in a major operation aimed at removing unsafe vehicles from the road. The message from officials was blunt and clear. If a vehicle is not roadworthy, it should not be transporting passengers.
Week-long crackdown across Gauteng
Between 1 and 8 March, law enforcement teams carried out stop and search operations across Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane.
The operations were conducted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation together with the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate. Their focus was on identifying vehicles that pose a danger to commuters and other road users.
By the end of the week, inspectors had discontinued more than 100 vehicles that were considered high risk.
Officials confirmed that 66 minibus taxis were stopped from operating due to serious safety defects. Five of those taxis were impounded after failing to meet basic road safety standards.
Private vehicles were also targeted during the operation. Inspectors issued discontinue notices to an additional 95 vehicles that were found to be unroadworthy.
The defects putting passengers at risk
Authorities said many of the vehicles had faults that could easily lead to accidents on busy Gauteng roads.
Common problems included faulty braking systems, worn tyres, broken headlights, damaged indicators, and cracked windscreens. In several cases, brake lights were not functioning properly, making the vehicles particularly dangerous in heavy traffic.
Officials warned that defects like these dramatically increase the risk of collisions, especially on highways and during peak commuting hours.
Taxi drivers and operators under scrutiny
The operation did not only focus on mechanical problems. Inspectors also targeted drivers and transport operators who were breaking licensing rules.
During the inspections, officers issued more than 1,000 infringement notices to drivers.
Using advanced eForce technology, the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate processed 1,308 electronic fines during the week.
The checks revealed that 289 taxi drivers were operating without valid licences. Officers also found 139 minibuses running without proper licence discs.
Authorities said these kinds of violations show why stricter enforcement is necessary across the province’s public transport sector.
Arrests for serious traffic offences
The operation also resulted in several arrests linked to dangerous driving behaviour.
Ten motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Another driver was arrested for reckless and negligent driving.
Law enforcement officials say these offences remain among the biggest contributors to fatal accidents on South African roads.
Scholar transport safety under the spotlight
The crackdown comes at a time when safety in scholar transport has become a national concern.
Recent crashes involving schoolchildren have sparked intense public debate about whether vehicles transporting pupils are being properly inspected and regulated.
In response, Gauteng authorities have begun tightening oversight of scholar transport operators. During the same week as the inspections, the department handed over operating licences to qualifying operators who met the necessary requirements.
Officials say the move is intended to improve accountability and ensure that children are transported in vehicles that meet safety standards.
A clear message from the province
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale Tlabela has voiced frustration at operators who continue to ignore the law.
She praised the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate for maintaining consistent enforcement across the province and stressed that road safety remains a top priority.
According to the department, ongoing operations will continue in an effort to ensure that all vehicles operating on public roads are compliant and safe.
For many residents, the enforcement campaign signals something commuters have long called for. Greater visibility from traffic authorities and stronger action against unsafe vehicles.
And as Gauteng’s roads grow busier each year, officials say one message will remain constant. Vehicles that put lives at risk will be taken off the road.
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Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: TopAuto
