KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Vows to Clamp Down on Disruptive Taxi Operators

KZN, South Africa – December 3, 2024 – KwaZulu-Natal’s Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has pledged to take a strong stance against disgruntled taxi operators who have been blocking roads and confiscating vehicle keys in protest.

Mkhwanazi’s commitment to decisive action follows a spate of recent incidents in which taxi operators, frustrated by unresolved grievances, have resorted to unlawful methods of protest, disrupting traffic and public order. These actions, which have included roadblocks and the taking of vehicle keys from drivers, have caused significant disturbances across key areas of the province.

"The police will not tolerate any form of criminality or intimidation by individuals or groups," Mkhwanazi stated. He emphasized that these unlawful tactics undermine public safety and the rule of law, and those involved will face the full consequences of their actions. “We will ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mkhwanazi added.

The commissioner’s remarks come in the wake of ongoing tensions within the province's taxi industry, which has long been plagued by disputes over routes, fares, and regulatory compliance. While the issues affecting the operators are complex, Mkhwanazi made it clear that resorting to violence or illegal methods would not be tolerated as a means of resolution.