Traffic authorities have increased operations targeting non-compliant taxis in Gauteng

The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), conducted intensified law enforcement operations across the province, resulting in the impoundment and discontinuation of over 500 minibus taxis in April 2026.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has commended GTI for its unwavering dedication and professionalism in traffic law enforcement, particularly in the public transport sector.

The department stated that during the month, targeted enforcement operations were conducted across the province, focused on key public transport corridors identified as high-risk for non-compliance and road safety violations.

These included those in the major metropolitan areas of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Tshwane. The department said that officers discontinued over 500 minibus taxis for being unroadworthy, while a further 573 vehicles were issued with discontinuation notices pending compliance.

“Discontinuations were a result of serious mechanical faults ranging from defective braking systems, worn tyres, non-functional headlights, and faulty brake lights and indicators, as well as cracked windscreens.

“In addition, 44 private vehicles were impounded in the City of Ekurhuleni for failing to meet minimum road safety standards,” explained the road transport department.

GTI officers also issued infringement notices to non-compliant operators:

• More than 4 000 manual infringement notices were issued; and
• A total of 4 161 electronic infringement notices were processed using the inspectorate’s advanced e-Force technology.

Further violations uncovered during operations included:

• 957 minibus operators found operating without valid driving licences; and
• 387 minibuses operating without valid licence discs.

The department noted that the operations also resulted in the arrest of 14 motorists for serious offences, including driving under the influence (DUI), bribery, obstruction of law enforcement officers, and damage to state property. Additionally, one individual was arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.

The department shared that the inspectorate’s operations form a critical part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to enhance law-enforcement visibility, aimed at addressing non-compliant practices, whilst also deterring would-be offenders from road infrastructure vandalism and theft.

Remarking on the outcomes, Diale-Tlabela said the discontinuation and impoundment of unsafe vehicles are not merely an enforcement measure,, and that the department sees them as a necessary intervention to protect the lives of commuters and all road users.

“These actions must serve as an indicator that criminal conduct and reckless behaviour on our roads will not go unpunished. Reckless drivers beware; you will be apprehended and face the full might of the law,” added the MEC.

The department said that with a complement of 96 officers strategically deployed across the province, the inspectorate will continue its ongoing efforts to restore order, combat criminality, and improve compliance with road traffic legislation, particularly within the public transport sector.

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