Tensions between meter taxis and taxi combis have once again flared up, causing a taxi conflict in the Newcastle area.
The latest incident occurred late Wednesday afternoon in Section A, Osizweni, where taxi drivers blockaded roads, disrupting traffic and business operations in an attempt to prevent meter taxis from reaching Theku Plaza and Boxer.
The situation escalated rapidly, with burning tires and road disruptions contributing to an atmosphere of unease in the area.
Captain Sipho Nkosi, the spokesperson for the Osizweni South African Police Service (SAPS), explained that the conflict initially stemmed from disputes over routes.
“The meter taxis recently held a meeting with the taxi owners to address the issue, but unfortunately, they failed to reach an agreement,” said Captain Nkosi.
As a result, the taxi combi drivers took matters into their own hands, barricading the roads on Wednesday to prevent the operation of meter taxis.
The Osizweni SAPS responded swiftly to the volatile situation, dispersing the protesters without making any arrests. Captain Nkosi attributed the lack of arrests to the presence of children allegedly being used by the taxi owners during the protests.
While the current situation in Osizweni remains calm, there is concern that the conflict could escalate and spread to Newcastle and Madadeni.
“The Osizweni SAPS and the Public Order Policing Unit are monitoring the situation, ensuring that it does not escalate further,” assured Captain Nkosi.
Furthermore, Captain Nkosi issued a stern warning to all parties involved in the taxi industry, including taxi combis and meter taxis.
“If the taxis and meter taxis fail to reach an agreement, we will have no choice but to call upon officers from Pietermaritzburg who specialise in dealing with the taxi industry,” he emphasised.
Such intervention could have severe consequences for the local taxi sector, as Captain Nkosi highlighted the presence of taxis operating without the necessary permits. The Osizweni SAPS is currently working to identify these non compliant taxis, and if the Pietermaritzburg unit is called in, all taxis will come under intense scrutiny.
Adding to the complexity of the conflict, an Osizweni resident who wished to remain anonymous, pointed out that another contributing factor to the tensions was that meter taxis were more inclined to transport passengers directly to their homes.
“Meter taxis will take us straight to our homes if we have groceries, which the taxis don’t always do as they usually drop their passengers alongside the road. Because of this, older people prefer using the meter taxis and the taxis are now losing money because of this,” she said.
As the police continue to closely monitor the situation, we invite the public to share their thoughts and opinions on the matter in the comment section below.
