OPERATION SHANELA CLEANS UP 

The New Public Transport Enforcement Unit (PTEU) has already recorded immense success in the fight against conflict in the public transport sector. 

The unit has been hard at work as from 04h00 today (12/08/02) and by the end of the day over 110 minibus taxis and 19 buses, used to ferry passengers illegally, were impounded in the greater KwaDukuza area.

Unfortunately, this move has inconvenienced passengers going about their business. The Department begs of them their patience as it is trying to sort matters out for them.

‘This is a matter of life and death, we cannot afford any more loss of life in incidents related to violence and noncompliance in this industry,’ says the Head of KZN Transport Department, Kwazi Mbanjwa. Dr Mbanjwa says Operation Shanela will continue until compliance with laws is reached.

‘This is only the beginning of such operations in the province in our insistence of Zero Tolerance to road related crimes,’ he said.

The South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force and other members of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) backed up the PTEU.

‘I wish to thank and commend the continued support we get from other enforcement and security agencies. It is this kind of cooperation that will help us overcome this problem,’ said Dr Mbanjwa.

Impounded taxis and buses owners and operators will have to pay a fine of R20 000 per vehicle and produce their valid documentation proving the roadworthiness of their automobiles to have them released. A fee of R 200,00 will be charged for storage per day.

Most vehicles were impounded because their drivers failed to produce route permits and for vehicle and driver incompetence.

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