SANTACO KZN to enforce breathalysers at ranks

Following a deadly taxi accident, SANTACO KZN is planning on investing in breathalysers to ensure that the taxi operators remain sober

Sep 6, 2022 - 06:12
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SANTACO KZN to enforce breathalysers at ranks

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO KZN) is planning on investing in breathalysers to ensure that the taxi operators remain sober.

BREATHALYSERS THE WAY TO GO FOR SANTACO KZN

This follows a taxi accident that occurred on Edendale Road in Pietermaritzburg on the morning of Sunday, 4 September, where five people were killed and others left injured.

Apart from overloading the commuters, the taxi driver was accused of operating the minibus taxi under the influence of alcohol.

ALSO READ: One killed in vehicle accident near Stanger

It is reported that the taxi lost control before rolling several times and resting on its side.

Five killed in a taxi accident on Sunday. Photo: SANTACO KZN/ Facebook.

ALSO READ: Drunk taxi driver arrested after five killed in accident in KZN

MAKHUNGA PUTS RESPONSIBILITY ON NEGLIGENT DRIVERS

A frustrated SANTACO KZN spokesperson Mduduzi Makhunga, who conveyed his condolences to the affected families, cited the regulatory body’s plans to deal with disobedient taxi operators.

He said the Industry is planning to do a campaign where breathalysers will be used at the ranks by Hlokomela ambassadors to ensure that all taxi drivers are fit to commute passengers.

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“The SANTACO KZN leadership strongly condemn the behaviour of the reckless driver from Imbali BB section who drove a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and failed to control the minibus taxi which led to a crash that killed 5 people,” he said

“All the drivers involved in culpable homicides in the name of the Taxi industry must account for their actions. The law must take its course.”

Makhunga

RECOMMDENATIONS MADE BY COMMUTERS

Regular taxi commuters recommended taxi ranks to SANTACO KZN to kick-start the breathalyser campaign.

Ngiba Thulani said: “Please start at South Beach, taxi drivers drink while driving in full view of the passengers”.

Buthelezi Xolisile said: “The campaign must be done everyday freedom. At square taxi rank there is someone in the rank selling alcohol to the taxi drivers”.

Africa Simo Mgobhozi said: “Please make it compulsory for all taxi drivers to be checked as they are drunk or smelling alcohol daily in the morning at taxi ranks before they start to work”.