Durban – The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in KwaZulu-Natal says it is ready to meet with the community of Imbali Unit BB, where members have been conducting inspections on taxis following the crash which claimed the lives of five commuters in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
The taxi driver in Sunday’s crash, Lindokuhle Bhande has been arrested and charged.
The Transport department said on Sunday that it was alleged that the driver had been driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Residents said they believed overloading contributed to the fatalities and called for tougher action by the Msunduzi Traffic Department against irresponsible behaviour by taxi drivers.
Santaco provincial office manager Sifiso Shangase said the news that community members were demanding an audience with taxi owners over continued problems was a matter they were taking seriously.
Community members including local councillor Mphilisi Ndlovu have decried the behaviour of taxi drivers and owners, saying they showed no respect towards residents.
Shangase said they were willing to meet with residents.
“We do not have a problem meeting with community members because we are here to service them and it is important that communication lines are opened.
“We realise that there are tensions at the moment and we are keen on dealing with them,” said the provincial manager.
He confirmed learning about another taxi that had been stopped because it was overloaded, but stressed that the taxi industry should not be the only one taking the blame.
“Passengers are not forced to get in an overloaded vehicle, it is individual’s choice. Therefore the blame should be shared,” he insisted.
Shangase said the leadership of the taxi industry would be attending the mass funeral planned for this weekend.
The councillor who has been visiting the injured in hospital also confirmed that another passenger had died, bringing the overall death toll to six.