Ladysmith taxi service suspended following unrest
The KZN Department of Transport has suspended taxi operations in and around Ladysmith.
MEC Mxolisi Kaunda says unrest and violence has claimed at least 61 lives in the area since 2014.
MEC Kaunda told reporters in Ladysmith yesterday that the Sizwe Transport and Kliprivier taxi associations have had their operations suspended for six months until a long-term solution is found.
Kaunda said - in the interim - police will investigate all crimes committed, security cameras at taxi ranks will be installed and taxi operators found to be involved in the violence will have their licenses revoked.
In one of the latest incidents, 11 people were killed when the deputy chairperson of the Kliprivier Taxi Association was ambushed.
ALSO READ: Santaco, KZN Transport in talks to resolve PMB taxi violence
Two of his family members and two bodyguards were also killed.
Five teachers travelling in another vehicle died after the deputy chairperson's vehicle crashed head-on into theirs.
Kaunda says arrangements have been made for buses and private vehicles to transport commuters.
The department says the decision was based on the importance of safety.
For more on this and other developing stories, here's your latest Newswatch bulletin