Over 400 vehicles impounded in Gauteng in January as crackdown intensifies

A tougher start to the year on Gauteng’s roads

January is usually about easing back into routine, but for hundreds of motorists in Gauteng, the year began with a hard stop.

More than 400 vehicles were taken off the province’s roads last month as traffic authorities launched intensified enforcement operations aimed at curbing lawlessness, unsafe vehicles and criminal behaviour, particularly in public transport.

The message from officials was blunt: road safety is no longer negotiable.

Where the crackdown happened

The operations were led by the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), working alongside the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). Officers focused on major transport corridors in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, routes known for heavy public and scholar transport traffic, and higher accident risks.

By the end of January 2026, 148 vehicles had been impounded outright:

• 61 in Ekurhuleni

• 46 in Tshwane

• 41 in Johannesburg

But that was only part of the picture.

An additional 259 minibus taxis were discontinued, meaning they were barred from operating after failing roadworthiness inspections. In total, more than 400 vehicles were effectively removed from service.

Why so many vehicles failed inspections

Inspectors say the defects they encountered weren’t minor. Many vehicles showed serious safety issues that put passengers and other road users at risk.

Among the most common problems were:

• Faulty braking systems

• Bald or badly worn tyres

• Headlights and brake lights that didn’t work

• Cracked windscreens

For commuters who rely on taxis daily, these findings struck a nerve online. Social media users shared mixed reactions, some applauding the crackdown, others worrying about fewer taxis on already strained routes.

Thousands fined, dozens arrested

The enforcement drive didn’t stop at impoundments. Officers issued more than 5,800 traffic fines in January alone, a mix of manual and electronic infringement notices.

Some of the most concerning figures included:

• 372 taxi drivers without valid driving licences

• 456 minibuses operating without valid licence discs

Seventy-three people were arrested during the operations, most for drunk driving. Others were detained for fraud, bribery, possession of fraudulent documents, immigration violations, illegal possession of ammunition and reckless driving.

For many road safety advocates, these arrests confirmed long-standing fears about what often goes unchecked on Gauteng’s roads.

“Compliance is not optional”

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the province is drawing a clear line.

According to the MEC, removing illegal and unroadworthy vehicles is about protecting lives especially those of commuters and schoolchildren who depend on public transport every day.

She stressed that enforcement will remain firm, warning that negligence, corruption and criminal conduct in the transport sector will be met with decisive action.

A necessary disruption?

Gauteng has one of the busiest road networks in the country, and minibus taxis remain the backbone of daily travel for millions. While stricter enforcement can cause short-term inconvenience, many residents argue it’s long overdue.

With road fatalities, drunk driving and unroadworthy vehicles continuing to dominate headlines, January’s numbers may signal a tougher, more consistent approach going forward.

For now, one thing is clear: in Gauteng, 2026 has started with fewer dangerous vehicles and far less tolerance for those who ignore the rules.