Gauteng traffic authorities have removed more than 80 unroadworthy minibus taxis from the province’s roads during a series of intensified stop-and-search operations aimed at improving road safety.
The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), working alongside the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), conducted high-impact operations between 13 and 19 April 2026 across Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
During the operation, a total of 82 minibus taxis were discontinued due to serious mechanical defects, while 10 vehicles were impounded in the City of Ekurhuleni alone. Of the discontinued taxis, 64 were in Johannesburg and 18 in Tshwane.
Authorities said the vehicles were removed from service after inspectors identified critical safety issues, including faulty brakes, worn tyres, broken headlights, defective indicators and cracked windscreens — all of which pose a significant risk to passengers and other road users.
The crackdown also revealed widespread non-compliance among drivers. Officials issued more than 1,000 manual traffic fines and processed 825 electronic infringement notices through the e-force system.
In addition, 267 taxi drivers were found operating without valid driving licences, while 174 vehicles were on the road without valid licence discs.
Law enforcement officers also arrested four motorists for offences including driving under the influence of alcohol, fraud and damage to state property.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela expressed concern about ongoing non-compliance within the taxi industry.
“Our teams have noted this trend developing in recent years. I will continue to take this up with industry leaders to assist in rooting out this practice. We wish to reiterate that this is risky, unacceptable and puts other road users in extreme danger,” she said.
She added that the scale of violations highlights the daily challenges faced by enforcement officers.
“Our message is clear — if you do not comply, you will not operate. Road safety is non-negotiable,” Diale-Tlabela said.
The MEC also commended officers for their efforts, saying their work is critical in tackling lawlessness in the public transport sector and strengthening compliance with traffic regulations.
The operations form part of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s ongoing road safety campaign to reduce crashes and fatalities while promoting responsible behaviour among all road users.
