Police Officers in Hot Water: Cops Who Own Taxis to Be Prosecuted
An announcement that police officers who own taxis will be prosecuted has set social media bubbling with reactions. The announcement also highlighted that police officers whose spouses own taxis will also face the full wrath of the law.
The government revealed it is cracking down on police officers involved in the taxi industry after receiving numerous complaints, reminding officers that the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) strictly prohibits them from participating in this sector.
“We received complaints and allegations that certain police officials are involved in the taxi industry and that they and their spouses/partners are operating taxis. Police officials, as custodians responsible for the enforcement of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), cannot be involved in the “taxi industry”. Based on the provisions of section 13 of the NLTA, no police official, his or her spouse are allowed to own taxis. Police officers and their spouses therefore commit an offence should they own taxis or otherwise are involved in the public transport industry. They also contravene the National Instruction 18 of 2019: Integrity Management in the South African Police Service,” the statement reads.
The statement emphasized that officers are frequently reminded of these regulations. The outlined protocol explains that if any officer or their family member is found to be involved in the taxi business, disciplinary measures will follow.
“All police officials are well aware of this national instruction and are sensitised on a frequent basis of integrity management. If any police official is found to be involved in a prohibited industry, such as the transport or security sector, a disciplinary investigation must be initiated for the purpose of remedial steps. Where there are allegations, suspicions or complaints that police officers (or their spouse, partners and/or immediate family) are involved in the public transport industry and there is sufficient information available, line managers/commanders must immediately institute internal disciplinary processes and where applicable also register criminal case dockets,” the statement concludes.
The statement has stirred up strong reactions across Mzansi. Some citizens expressed frustration, questioning how police officers can survive on their salaries without supplemental income. Others voiced concerns over a perceived lack of real action by the government. Here’s a look at some of the responses:
@MLANDO60870174:
How should they live when government is paying them peanuts? These people are doing genuine business,and not them who are running business but their spouses you say,ANC government wants to see people poor
@HLABARINTO:
You have an opportunity to make an example with the Corolla guys but instead of giving us an update of whether you’ve arrested them you are busy trying to distract us with novels after novels. How far are you with the Corolla guys case?
@MosesMazibuko3:
And what about the same GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES USING UNMASKED GOVERNMENT VEHICLES TO PIRATE PASSENGERS