Over 100 minibus taxis were discontinued from Gauteng roads during a week-long enforcement operation that exposed serious mechanical defects, unlicensed driving, and widespread non-compliance across key public transport routes in the province.
The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), carried out intensified stop-and-search operations between 20 and 26 April 2026 across Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni.
Officers were deployed along major public transport corridors identified as high-risk areas for traffic violations and unsafe operations.
Authorities say the discontinued minibuses were found to have critical mechanical faults that posed a direct danger to passengers and other road users. These included faulty braking systems, worn tyres, broken headlights, defective brake lights and indicators, as well as cracked windscreens.
Beyond the initial removals, GTI issued a further 128 discontinuation notices, 21 in Tshwane, 43 in Johannesburg, and 64 in Ekurhuleni, as part of ongoing efforts to remove unsafe vehicles from the road.
The crackdown also revealed significant levels of operator non-compliance. A total of 195 minibus drivers were found operating without valid driving licences, while 75 vehicles were found without valid licence discs. Authorities say these violations remain a major concern and have prompted engagement with provincial taxi leadership to address what they describe as persistent illegal practices in the sector.
Enforcement teams issued more than 900 manual infringement notices during the operation. A further 772 electronic infringement notices were processed through the e-Force system, reflecting an increased reliance on digital enforcement tools to strengthen accountability.
The operation also extended to criminal enforcement, resulting in the arrest of three motorists for serious offences, including driving under the influence (DUI), bribery, and interference with law enforcement officials.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the outcomes of the operations demonstrate the province’s firm stance on road safety and law enforcement.
“The arrests as a result of these operations should send a clear message that criminal conduct and reckless behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated,” she said.“Those who continue to endanger others on public roads must know the law will catch up. You will be held to account.”
She added that the coordinated operations form part of a broader provincial strategy to improve compliance and reduce road fatalities.
“These coordinated operations form part of ongoing efforts to improve compliance with traffic laws, enhance road safety, and address criminal conduct on the province’s roads,” Diale-Tlabela said.
The MEC also commended enforcement officers for their professionalism and commitment, saying their work remains critical in protecting commuters and improving safety within Gauteng’s public transport system.
Saturday Star