Gauteng authorities say that more than 60 minibus taxis were taken off the roads during a high-impact stop-and-search operation after officers discovered serious mechanical defects and widespread licence irregularities.
Results from week-long operation
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport reported that operations by the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate (GTI) in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) ran from 3 to 9 August 2026 under the #RemoveSkorokoro campaign. The exercise targeted high-risk public transport corridors across major metropolitan municipalities.
Inspectors discontinued 14 minibuses after identifying defects including faulty brakes, worn tyres and defective lighting systems. In total, more than 60 taxis were removed from service during the week of checks.
“A public transport vehicle that is mechanically unsafe has no place on Gauteng’s roads,” said Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, emphasising that the department will not compromise on road-user safety.
Licence and documentation breaches
Alongside mechanical faults, the operation uncovered a range of traffic and documentation violations. Authorities found 48 minibus taxi drivers operating without valid driving licences. A further 43 vehicles were discovered to be operating without valid licence discs.
Inspectors also issued 20 discontinuation notices to non-compliant motorists elsewhere in the province.
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| Minibuses discontinued for defects | 14 |
| Minibus taxis removed from service (total) | More than 60 |
| Drivers without valid licences | 48 |
| Vehicles without valid licence discs | 43 |
| Discontinuation notices issued | 20 |
Department stance and industry engagement
MEC Diale-Tlabela framed the removals as a public-safety measure rather than an attempt to disrupt commuter services. She said discontinuation actions were aimed at preventing avoidable crashes and giving passengers confidence that vehicles they board are roadworthy.
The department said it has held engagements with taxi associations, and urged the industry to clamp down on or refrain from using incompetent or unlicensed drivers. The operation formed part of a broader campaign to remove dangerous and unroadworthy vehicles — commonly referred to as "skorokoro" — from public transport routes.
What this means for commuters
For daily commuters who rely on the minibus taxi industry, increased enforcement can mean short-term disruptions on targeted routes but potentially safer journeys in the long term. The department has stressed that discontinuation notices are issued to noncompliant motorists, and that roadside action is intended to reduce the risk of crashes caused by mechanical failure or unlicensed drivers.
- Expect targeted stop-and-search operations on high-risk corridors in metros across Gauteng.
- Passengers should not board vehicles that appear to have visible defects such as bald tyres or faulty lights.
- Drivers should carry valid licence discs and driving licences to avoid fines, vehicle discontinuation or arrests.
Context and next steps
Safety inspections of public transport have been a recurring focus for provincial authorities as taxi-related crashes remain a leading cause of road deaths and serious injuries. The department said the week-long operation signals continued enforcement activity and cooperation with the RTMC to keep unroadworthy vehicles off Gauteng roads.
Further operations are likely while authorities continue discussions with taxi associations. Commuters and motorists are advised to report unsafe vehicles or unlicensed drivers to the relevant municipal traffic authorities or the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate.
Members of the public seeking to verify a vehicle’s licence disc or to report a suspected unroadworthy vehicle can contact provincial traffic hotlines or their local metro traffic department for guidance.
This article is based on reports from Gauteng provincial traffic authorities and statements by the MEC for Roads and Transport.
