/ 15 November 1999

SHOSHANGUVE TAXI RANKS TO REMAIN CLOSED

TAXI ranks in Soshanguve, north-west of Pretoria will remain closed, a judge investigating taxi violence in the area said on Monday. In a statement in Pretoria, Judge Dumisa Ntsebeza said although some progress was made over the weekend in Soshanguve, the two main taxi associations remained at logger-heads. “Taxi ranks will remain closed for the time being, as a solution to the violence,” said Ntsebeza. Community members and stake-holders made submissions to the Gauteng Department of Transport in October and expressed their grievances with the rival taxi associations. Both taxi associations also made submissions and Ntsebeza said the violence would only subdue if they reached a consensus. He called on the government to ensure the safety of commuters.