OPERATION SHANELA CLEANS UP EMPANGENI

Public transport operators in Empangeni felt the sting of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport’s Operation Shanela when a total of 56 public transport vehicles were impounded by the Public Transport Enforcement Unit (PTEU) today.

26 buses belonging to both Metro and Amandla Bus Companies, 24 mini-bus taxis, 4 Toyota Ventures and 2 bakkies were impounded and 31 drivers were arrested for not having the necessary operating permits. Four of them appeared in the Empangeni Magistrates Court today and were released on R500 bail each. The rest will appear in court tomorrow. 

Launched on the 26th August 2002, the PTEU has conducted operations in the KwaDukuza, Richmond, Escourt/Ladysmith, Highflats/Ixopo and Underberg areas and has already recovered 8 stolen taxis, made more than 50 arrests, suspended more than 120 vehicles for defects and impounded more than 500 vehicles for illegal permits. Several people have already paid the stipulated R20 000 pound fees and others will end up paying much more as the penalties are an additional R200 per day to have the vehicles released. 

People are definitely getting the message that we are serious about cleaning up the public transport industry and have begun in earnest to get their houses in order. Reports have already been received that people are flocking to the taxi registrar’s office to get their operating permits in order and vehicle fitness centres are reported to have an influx of public transport vehicles for roadworthiness tests.

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