KZN Transport condemns Durban central taxi blockades

Some taxi operators barricaded busy routes in and around the city during the peak hours on Monday morning yesterday, which led to major disruptions. 

Long-distance drivers are believed to have staged the demonstrations in response to their minibuses being impounded for non-compliance, among other issues. 

READ: Early morning taxi protests rock Durban CBD

Metro police say some people who weren't part of the protests tried to use them as an opportunity to raid shops but were stopped by taxi operators. 

The department says officers won't be intimidated and deterred from applying the law. 

KZN police spokesperson Jay Naicker say they're urging the drivers to engage with their leadership and government on the issues affecting them. 

"The general said it was unacceptable that they choose to inconvenience thousands of motorists to raise their grievances rather than using available channels to resolve their concerns.

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"Police officers from the Durban Central police station together with officers from the Durban Metropolitan Police and Public Order Police Unit responded to reports of blockades at various intersections. 

"They were able to negotiate with the drivers to remove their vehicles and to set up a meeting with the transport department to raise their grievances."