SANTACO refutes claims of taxi industry involvement in illegal vehicle impounding
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has responded to reports circulating on social media that allege members of the taxi industry are involved in impounding private vehicles.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has responded to social media reports alleging that members of the taxi industry have decided to impound private vehicles.
This follows a wave of social media posts alleging that certain individuals, claiming to represent the taxi industry, have been unlawfully stopping private vehicles and soliciting money from drivers.
In a statement released to the media on Tuesday, the organisation strongly denied the allegations and explained that no directive of this nature has been issued by the council.
"SANTACO categorically distances itself from and condemns the unlawful actions of individuals allegedly stopping vehicles and extorting money from private motorists under the guise of representing the taxi industry. These acts are not sanctioned by SANTACO and are in direct conflict with our values and mission," Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said .
Phala reiterated SANTACO's commitment to operating within the law and improving transport services through modernisation and safety measures.
"We reaffirm that SANTACO is committed to the safe, reliable, and lawful transport of South Africans in roadworthy vehicles. We continue to embrace innovation and modern technology to improve our services and ensure the safety of our commuters and the general public," she said.
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Phala also encouraged members of the public who experience harassment or unlawful conduct on the roads to report such incidents to the South African Police Service.
"Anyone who experiences harassment or unlawful conduct on our roads is strongly encouraged to report such incidents to the South African Police Service. Furthermore, grievances that require the attention of the taxi industry or call for disciplinary action may be directed to our national office call centre at 012 321 1043.
"SANTACO denounces all forms of violence in the strongest possible terms and remains committed to working with law enforcement and the public to uphold peace, safety, and accountability within the sector".
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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