The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), carried out stop-and-search operations leading to the discontinuation of over 100 minibuses after they failed to meet basic roadworthiness requirements.
The intensified law enforcement operations were conducted between February 1 and 7. The department stated that the enforcement operations were carried out across key public and scholar transport corridors in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Tshwane.
According to the department, the inspections revealed major mechanical defects that posed a direct threat to passenger safety and other road users.
These included faulty braking systems, worn tyres, non-functioning headlights, brake lights and indicators, as well as cracked windscreens. In addition to the discontinuations, the department said that the officers focused on non-compliant operators.
“This resulted in more than 500 manual infringement notices issued, while a further 667 electronic infringement notices were processed using GTI’s advanced e-Force enforcement devices.
“They also issued 151 discontinuance notices to motorists found operating in violation of traffic regulations,” said the road department.
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Non-compliance offences identified during the operations included:• 108 minibus taxi operators driving without valid driving licences; and• 52 minibuses operating without valid licence discs.
The department stated that beyond traffic-related offences, the operations also addressed broader criminal activity, resulting in eleven arrests for driving under the influence (DUI).
In her remarks at the meeting, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, reiterated the province’s uncompromising stance on road safety.
“We will not allow profit to be placed above people’s lives. Any vehicle that threatens the safety of our commuters or road users has no place on Gauteng roads. Our message is clear: comply or face the full might of the law.”
On the discontinuation of unroadworthy vehicles, she reaffirmed that this remains critical to the prevention of crashes, injuries, and fatalities, particularly within the public and scholar transport sector. She added that the operations extend to the whole of the province.
As part of #Tackling13, a provincial initiative focusing on key, high-impact challenges, enforcement operations form part of a coordinated strategy to curb lawlessness, combat criminal activity and strengthen compliance with traffic legislation, with a particular focus on the public and scholar transport sector.
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