Gauteng’s traffic enforcement unit has stepped up action against unroadworthy and unlicensed minibus taxis, removing vehicles from service and issuing hundreds of traffic fines during a week-long operation across the province.
High-impact stop-and-search sweep
The Gauteng Roads Department said the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate (GTI), working with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), ran targeted stop-and-search operations along high-risk public transport corridors between 3 and 9 August under the #RemoveSkorokoro campaign.
During the operation officers discontinued 14 minibuses after discovering serious mechanical defects, including faulty brakes, worn tyres and defective lighting systems, the department said. A further 20 discontinue notices were served to non-compliant motorists across the province – two in Tshwane, 13 in Johannesburg and five in Ekurhuleni.
"A public transport vehicle that is mechanically unsafe has no place on Gauteng’s roads."
Licence problems and large number of infringements
The operation also exposed widespread administrative and licensing failures among minibus taxi operators. Officials found 48 minibus taxi drivers operating without valid driving licences and 43 vehicles without valid licence discs.
To strengthen compliance and accountability the GTI issued more than 500 manual AARTO infringement notices and processed 647 electronic infringement notices using its e-Force devices, the department reported.
| Action | Number |
|---|---|
| Minibuses discontinued | 14 |
| Discontinue notices (motorists) | 20 (2 Tshwane, 13 Johannesburg, 5 Ekurhuleni) |
| Drivers without valid licences | 48 |
| Vehicles without licence discs | 43 |
| Manual AARTO notices | 500+ |
| Electronic infringement notices (e-Force) | 647 |
The provincial breakdown for the electronic notices was reported as follows: 252 in Tshwane, 254 in Johannesburg, 64 in Ekurhuleni, 49 in Mogale City and 26 in Sebokeng.
Safety and compliance the stated priorities
Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela welcomed the operation, saying the removal of unsafe public transport vehicles showed the department would not compromise on road-user safety. The MEC called on taxi associations to play their part in policing their ranks and ensuring drivers and vehicles meet legal and safety standards.
Transport regulators have for years warned that mechanical defects and unlicensed drivers increase the risk of serious crashes, particularly on busy routes during peak hours. The GTI said its campaign focused on corridors with a history of crashes, impoundments and complaints about vehicle condition.
What motorists and commuters should know
Passengers who rely on minibus taxis should check their operator’s documentation and vehicle condition where possible, and report unsafe vehicles or drivers to municipal traffic authorities or the RTMC. Drivers found operating without valid licences or with unsafe vehicles risk discontinuation, fines and further administrative or criminal action depending on the offence.
- If you see a visibly unsafe vehicle (sparking brakes, bald tyres, broken lights), avoid boarding and report it to the local traffic department.
- Check for a valid licence disc displayed on the vehicle; absence is a regulatory offence.
- Keep a record (route, harbouring rank, vehicle registration) to hand to authorities if you wish to lodge a complaint.
The GTI and RTMC did not indicate whether further enforcement weeks are planned. The department said such operations are part of an ongoing effort to reduce road deaths, improve compliance and restore order on public transport routes across Gauteng.
