Santaco: We are not all criminals

“We are not all criminals” says South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) Gauteng chairperson Midday Mali.

Mali was speaking yesterday at a press briefing in response online claims of taxi drivers forcing mense to use their services and the brutal killing of a 27-year-old e-hailing driver last week at Maponya Mall in Soweto.

The murder of Siyanda Mthokozisi Mvelase is believed to be linked to ongoing taxi violence and Santaco’s national leadership addressed the issue.

Mali added that the murder should serve as a wake-up call for everyone in the public transport sector.

He said: “We cannot and will not defend this. We cannot hide behind slogans, uniforms and silence. There is no place in our province or our industry for anyone who uses Santaco or the taxi industry more broadly as a cover for criminality and terror.

Mali said the organisation is committed to taking decisive action.

He said: “Santaco Gauteng is working closely with law enforcement and our internal structures to assist in the investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to book,” he said.

Mali also addressed growing concerns that taxi patrollers and marshals are coercing citizens not to use private vehicles, including preventing them from transporting their own families.

“This is unacceptable, unconstitutional and illegal,” he said. 

“As Santaco – and especially Santaco Gauteng – we distance ourselves fully from these practices. We are reviewing all reported cases to identify those responsible.”

“To every South African who has been harassed, threatened or intimidated by someone claiming to act in the name of Santaco Gauteng, I say: you have every right to transport of your choice. Work with us, and report criminality to the authorities.”

He said they are committed to rebuilding trust with the public.

“We understand the responsibility we have. Work with us to report these crimes to the authorities. Help us guarantee your safety and restore trust between us.”

Mali added: “We are not all criminals. We are not all violent. 

“The vast majority of our drivers wake up at 3am to serve our people with dignity and respect. We ask for your partnership, your vigilance – and, definitely, your forgiveness.”