National Assembly:   17th September 2009

Chairperson,

Violence within the taxi industry has been a problem for some time now; we often read or hear of taxi bosses being murdered and this trend seems to be continuing with no end in sight. In Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal, in particular, there seem to be numerous assassinations, or assassination attempts, on the lives of taxi owners, many of whom are in positions of leadership.

In one of the most recent incidents, Bhekokwakhe Shezi, who was the vice chairman of the MNR Taxi Association in Umlazi, was gunned down at his home in Montclair. His young daughter had to scream for help while he lay bleeding in the driveway.

The taxi industry is a crucial part of our transport system as millions of South Africans make use of this mode of transport daily. 

We cannot allow these assassinations to continue. The IFP believes that the South African Police Services (SAPS) must set up a unit which is dedicated to rooting out violence from this industry. Competition must be free and fair without any intimidation or violence. We must clean up this industry.

The IFP offers its condolences to all the people who have died from this violent behaviour.

I thank you.

Contact: Connie Zikalala, 083 282 8384.