Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi discloses shocking statistics on taxi violence, revealing that 30 lives were lost in March due to ongoing conflicts within the taxi industry, at a crucial policing summit with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
A Growing Crisis in Gauteng
Taxi violence in Gauteng has escalated to alarming levels, with Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealing at a policing summit that 30 lives were claimed in March 2025 alone. The summit, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, shed light on the ongoing violent conflict in the province’s taxi industry, which continues to take a significant toll on both operators and passengers.
March’s Shocking Statistics: 30 Lives Lost
During the summit held on April 8, 2025, Premier Lesufi disclosed that 30 people had been killed in the province in just one month, as a result of violent clashes between rival taxi factions. The situation was further exacerbated by the tragic killing of three taxi marshals in Soweto just the day before, bringing the month’s death toll to a grim 30.
These fatalities highlight the increasing severity of the taxi violence that has plagued Gauteng in recent months. Lesufi attributed the deaths to fierce territorial battles between competing taxi formations, particularly involving taxi bosses and their factions. “Yesterday alone, three people were gunned down, bringing the total to 30 deaths just in March,” Lesufi stated.
The Role of Taxi Bosses and Associations
Premier Lesufi’s remarks at the summit underscored the core issue: the ongoing conflict between taxi bosses and their associations. These disputes, often over routes and territory, have led to deadly consequences for both taxi operators and innocent bystanders.
In his speech, Lesufi made it clear that such lawlessness cannot be allowed to continue. “We need to demonstrate to taxi bosses and taxi associations who’s the boss in this country. The boss is law enforcement, and they must be empowered to take charge of this matter,” Lesufi declared, echoing the frustrations of Gauteng residents and authorities alike.
The Policing Summit: A Call for Stronger Law Enforcement
The summit, which will run for three days, brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss solutions to the rise in violent crime, particularly in the taxi industry. Premier Lesufi emphasized the need for stronger law enforcement to address the ongoing violence, calling for an increase in resources and support for police agencies.
“The law must take precedence over criminal enterprises,” Lesufi insisted. His comments came as part of a broader call for decisive action to restore order and protect the people of Gauteng from the dangers posed by taxi-related violence.
Potential Solutions: Dialogue and Law Enforcement
In addition to calls for stronger police action, the National Taxi Alliance suggested that dialogue between taxi stakeholders could offer a path forward in resolving the disputes that fuel the violence. However, the real challenge lies in whether such dialogue can lead to tangible, long-lasting solutions. Many are sceptical, given the entrenched nature of the conflicts in the taxi industry.
The summit will continue to focus on finding solutions that balance the need for law enforcement with the necessity of addressing the root causes of violence. With tensions high and lives at stake, the next few days could prove crucial in determining how Gauteng will move forward in addressing this crisis.
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