Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2018/09/19

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department says once money is exchanged in a private lift club, it constitutes road transportation.

The department’s Superintendent Wayne Minnaar was speaking to Radio Islam about the complaints received from disgruntled motorists over alleged intimidation by taxi drivers stopping them on highways, harassing their passengers.

“I have received one report of it happening in Woodmead, so that is one incident that I can confirm.”

It is believed that taxi drivers are informing motorists that they do not have public transport licenses or operating permits and therefore are not allowed to transport passengers, be it work colleagues or friends.

Minnaar says that motorists who are taking money from their passengers, require the necessary transportation licenses.

“Lift clubs do exist, but there should be no exchange of money, and a good example of a lift club is one group of employees using one vehicle, and another week they use another vehicle each month, but there should be no exchange of money that constitutes road transportation.”

Minnaar adds that if motorists find themselves intimidated by taxi drivers, they should report the incident to their nearest police station.

With the continual rise in fuel prices, many South Africans have opted to join a lift club, as it is not only a great way to save fuel and reduce wear and tear on their cars, but also a great stress reliever.

Listen To The Full Interview Below: