THE City of Cape Town has started the process of destroying impounded vehicles. Among other private vehicles, the city will destroy amaphela and taxis that were impounded during previous operations by traffic cops.
Speaking about the developments, traffic services spokeswoman Maxine Bezuidenhout said: “The City of Cape Town Traffic Department is currently in the process of destroying several vehicles that were previously impounded. These destructive activities are carefully monitored and adhere to strict regulations as per national legislation. These vehicles are either vehicles that were seized during previous operations or vehicles that were left abandoned.”
She also added that the city is working on by-laws that will make it easier to impound amaphela and taxis.
“The city is in the process of bringing the new traffic by-law into operation since its recent promulgation. The new by-law will see stronger legislation that will allow for improved mechanisms for the destruction of taxis and amaphela operating as public transport vehicles as well as vehicles involved in illegal street chasing activities,” said Bezuidenhout.
Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association spokesman Andile Khanyi said the move by the municipality doesn’t sit well with them.
“You cannot destroy someone’s car like that. The owner has to be informed when their property is being destroyed. Were not happy about these developments,” said Khanyi. He promised to follow up.
Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association spokesman Nkululeko Sityebi said they were not informed of the destruction of cars and taxis.
“We will have to speak to the senior officials to find out because we have not been informed about these developments,” he said.
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In the past few weeks, amaphela operators have been on the streets burning tyres and buses following the impounding of their cars by the City of Cape Town.
Member of the Mayoral Committee of Urban Mobility Rob Quintas said they have a slot for permits for amaphela operators that were opened more than five years ago but the operators are still not applying for those permits yet they cry foul when their cars are impounded.
