GTI APPREHENDS UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN OVERLOADED MINIBUS TAXI

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

GTI APPREHENDS  UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN OVERLOADED MINIBUS TAXI 

The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) has intensified its highimpact stop-and-search operations, yielding significant enforcement breakthroughs and strengthening the province’s strategy to combat criminality, eradicate lawlessness, and ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations. Between 27 October and 02 November 2025, GTI officers conducted coordinated operations across all major provincial corridors. During these enforcement drives, twenty-six undocumented Malawian nationals were apprehended in Randburg for contravening the Immigration Act. 

 The individuals were found traveling in a 15-seater Quantum minibus taxi that was severely overloaded and carrying excess luggage inside due to the absence of a trailer. These results underscore the Inspectorate’s unwavering commitment to tackling both traffic violations and criminal conduct on Gauteng’s roads. Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, commended the GTI officers for their dedication and professionalism, emphasising that the province will not tolerate lawlessness on its roads. “Road safety is not negotiable. Every driver, every operator, and every passenger must play their part in protecting lives on our roads,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela. 

She further highlighted that the ongoing enforcement operations form part of a broader provincial strategy to improve road safety, protect lawabiding motorists, and hold offenders accountable.  

The MEC also urged public transport operators to prioritise compliance and passenger safety. In addition to the arrests, GTI officers issued numerous infringement notices to non-compliant public transport operators, addressed unroadworthy vehicles, and made several arrests linked to serious traffic offences. 

Key results include: • Over 200 manual infringement notices issued. • 171 electronic notices processed via GTI’s e-Force system. • 62 vehicles issued with discontinue notices for non-compliance. • 33 vehicles impounded for severe violations. A concerning level of illegal operations was also uncovered: • 50 minibus taxi operators were found driving without valid licences. • 69 minibuses were operating without licence discs. • 28 minibuses were discontinued for various forms of noncompliance. 

Additionally, GTI officers effected arrests for serious offences, including one case of attempted bribery and eight cases of driving under the influence of alcohol, further highlighting the persistent challenge of reckless and unlawful behaviour on Gauteng’s roads. 

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA