Law enforcement acts against illegal taxi operators

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Tensions between the Codeta Disadvantaged Taxi Association George and the George Municipality peaked on Tuesday 19 July when local and provincial traffic officers, assisted by police, conducted special law enforcement operations against illegal taxi operators in certain areas of town.

A total of 19 taxis were impounded and one person was arrested. Bus routes to and from Parkdene were also delayed as certain routes were closed off during the operation in Nelson Mandela Boulevard.

The operation comes after George Municipality obtained an interdict in January that stipulates that any taxi operator providing service without a valid operating licence will be subject to immediate arrest and impoundment of the illegal vehicle until such time as the case has been heard in court.

On 21 December 2021, the Cape Town High Court granted George Municipality an order that forbids Codeta to operate in George.

It was served on Codeta on Monday 10 January.

Codeta, that had until 25 January to file counter-arguments, later filed an urgent court application to overturn the court order.

The matter was heard on 25 January, but on request of the municipality, it was postponed until the end of May, after which the court order was made final.

Operations started in Nelson Mandela Boulevard on Tuesday morning.

Arnold Pietersen, chairperson of Codeta George, told George Herald on Monday 6 June that the organisation would not challenge the court order.

By the time of going to print on Wednesday morning, Pietersen could not be reached for comment regarding Tuesday's operation and impoundment of some of the association's taxis.

The municipality warned that passengers should at all costs avoid getting into an illegally operating vehicle as there is an increased risk that that vehicle might be impounded and passengers would be left stranded. Passengers who are injured while using illegal transport also have no claim with the Road Accident Fund.

Approximately 20 vehicles were impounded during the operation.