‘Enough is Enough’: Gauteng Cracks Down on Taxi Killings with Rank Closures

Gauteng transport officials are planning to shut down taxi ranks for up to six months following a sharp rise in deadly violence across the province. Since the start of the year, at least 59 people have been killed in incidents linked to the minibus taxi industry.

Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela confirmed that 30 of those deaths occurred in March alone, saying the violence had reached a critical point. She said the department had no choice but to act decisively after repeated attempts to defuse tensions within the sector had failed. The MEC revealed that previous attempts to resolve disputes had failed, prompting the decision to close taxi ranks for six months. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, she said: “The agreement is to close the ranks — not just for a week or two — but for six months to find a lasting solution.”

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela today hosted an inaugural stakeholder engagement meeting with Gauteng Women in Public Transport at the Departmental Tshwane Regional offices.

The purpose of the engagement was to review and map the Department’s planned… pic.twitter.com/VG68J513BW

— GP Roads and Transport (@GPDRT_) April 9, 2025

While route disputes and permit conflicts are often blamed, Diale-Tlabela believes the roots of the violence run deeper, involving power struggles and money. She referred to the “imali ye bucket” system — where taxi operators are allegedly forced to contribute funds used to pay armed protection teams, some of whom are suspected of committing violent acts.

“These individuals live like kings, with more bodyguards than the president,” she said.

Diale-Tlabela also met with women in the taxi business — many of whom took over operations after losing their husbands to taxi violence. While they acknowledged the shutdown would bring financial hardship, they supported the move in hopes of a permanent solution.

“They said it’s better to suffer for six months than to lose more lives,” she said.

The department has started the legal process required by the National Land Transport Act. Diale-Tlabela explained that consultations with taxi associations and other affected parties would now begin, paving the way for the implementation of Section 91, which allows for temporary closures of ranks. To mitigate the impact on commuters, the MEC promised alternative transport options such as e-hailing services and buses. “We have capable young people ready to serve the public,” she said.

However, Diale-Tlabela expressed frustration over the lack of arrests, despite dozens of killings. She also raised concerns about private security teams allegedly hired by taxi associations, some of whom are suspected of involvement in the violence. On Thursday, the department held a press conference and prayer session in Soweto, where the MEC again called for an end to the bloodshed.

“Commuter safety is our top priority,” she said. “Too many children are losing their fathers, too many women are becoming widows. This violence must stop.”