Johannesburg – A viral video of taxi patrollers assaulting a motorist in Vanderbijlpark has ignited public fury over their unchecked power.
The Civic Centre Taxi Association members allegedly attacked a driver and his passenger, prompting outrage and questions about patrollers’ roles in traffic management and safety.
This guy was beaten up by the Civic centre taxi association in Vanderbijl Park just because he had passenger in his car while going to work! A case has been opened against them with the Vanderbijlpark Police Station. Case number 189/1/2026 pic.twitter.com/ZYyulh7pAl
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) January 13, 2026
According to EWN, Gauteng Santaco Chairperson Midday Mali condemned the violence, announcing the men’s suspension and an investigation.
“We really regret the action of violence that we saw,” Mali said, apologising to the community while admitting such incidents aren’t isolated.
Mali clarified patrollers lack legal authority and stressed collaboration with SAPS to combat route invasions by unauthorised operators, reaffirming commitment to industry reform.
Take a look at some of the reactions on social media:
No no no this can’t be right…. Why are the beating him up,can’t they talk 🗣️ Mababoshwe
— Lwammie (@AladyPL) January 13, 2026
Now you can’t give lift to family members and friends because these uneducated taxi marshals will harass you. We have a minister of transport in the country and he’s not saying anything besides driving and drinking 🤔
— Boogie Harry__ / King Of Love And Foreplay (@BoogieHarrySA) January 13, 2026
Can someone please propose a solution on how to prevent this happening again? People are out here trying to make an honest living (uber drivers) and they are being terrorised.
— Monde (@monde031) January 13, 2026
Let’s find him quickly bafethu pic.twitter.com/bgm6L9RgU2
— Land Owner (@NathiSibiya8) January 13, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
