Western Cape mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie confirmed the licence cancellation on Wednesday after a lengthy investigation.
“The incident, involving a high-speed chase, was video captured by a passenger inside the vehicle and went viral on social media. The [regulatory authority] also received complaints from George municipal traffic services and the provincial taxi registrar regarding the driver’s contemptuous behaviour,” said Mackenzie.“Our mobility department called an inquiry into the matter, which allowed the complainants and the taxi operator to present what transpired on that day.
“After making a call on his mobile phone, he drove off, with municipal traffic officers in pursuit. The high-speed chase ended on the Thembalethu bridge, where traffic was gridlocked. He eventually abandoned the vehicle and ran off into the residential area,” said Mackenzie. “In his attempt to get away, he drove into oncoming traffic and disregarded several stop and other traffic signs. In the video, passengers can be heard screaming, praying and begging the driver to stop, but he ignored these impassioned pleas. He was later arrested.“Upon further inspection, officials found a copy of the operator card was displayed with incorrect information. The vehicle was also off-route.
“The ... approach is to first correct the behaviour of operators and drivers,” said Jattiem. “However, in certain cases, extreme statutory powers [are required] to set a good precedent for the Western Cape and to ensure passengers are treated with respect and courtesy. We have a duty to rid the system of operators and drivers who refuse to comply with the law and actively make our roads more dangerous for everyone.
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