Operators of Avandza seven-seater vehicles in Carolina have accused the Mpumalanga Transport Inspectorate and police of allegedly targeting them, assaulting them and preventing them from providing transport to residents who rely on their services to reach areas not served by conventional taxis.
The operators claim they have repeatedly been stopped by transport inspectors, allegedly threatened and, in some instances, had their vehicles impounded during disputes over where and how they are permitted to operate.
According to the operators, their vehicles primarily transport passengers between Carolina and surrounding areas where there are limited or no direct taxi services.
One of their main concerns is the route between Carolina and Nhlazatshe, which they say is not served by a direct taxi service. They argue that their seven-seaters provide an important transport link for residents who otherwise struggle to reach their destinations.
The operators allege that transport inspectors have told them that they are not permitted to pick up passengers at the Carolina exit, despite their claim that they do not obstruct traffic or transport passengers into the town centre.
They further allege that some inspectors have effectively been operating as “taxi patrols”, monitoring their movements and preventing them from carrying passengers.
Alleged shooting and intimidation
One operator claimed that his vehicle had been stopped and searched on several occasions by the same officers.
He further alleged that on one occasion he was shot while driving and was alone in the vehicle at the time.
The operators say the incidents have created tension between them, the transport authorities and law-enforcement officers.
They also allege that some transport inspectors are working closely with police officers against them, rather than allowing disputes over operating rights to be resolved through proper legal and regulatory processes.
According to the operators, police have also threatened them when they attempted to report alleged misconduct by transport officials.
Vehicles impounded and arrests disputed
The operators further claim that some of their vehicles were impounded during operations involving police and other taxi operators.
They allege that some members were arrested but were later not brought before court.
One operator also claims that police confiscated his licensed firearm after accusing him of discharging it.
He disputes the allegation and says the firearm has not been returned. According to him, police have indicated that the firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing.
The operators say they want clarity on the legal basis for the actions against them and are demanding that complaints they lodge against officials be treated in the same manner as complaints involving other members of the public.
‘We are providing a service’
The operators insist that they are not attempting to disrupt the taxi industry or unlawfully take over established routes.
They say their intention is to provide transport to communities and destinations where passengers have limited alternatives.
They are calling on the authorities to clarify the regulations governing their operations and to allow them to work within the law.
They also want police to play a role in preventing conflict between different transport operators rather than, as they allege, contributing to tensions.
“We are asking the police and the inspectorate to respect us and treat us equally when we open cases. We are not asking for special treatment. We want to work and transport people who desperately need transport,” the operators said.
They added that law-enforcement agencies should focus on maintaining peace and preventing violence in the transport sector.
The Mpumalanga Transport Inspectorate and police were not available for comment by the time of going to press. Their responses will be included should they respond to the allegations.
