Taxi driver suspended following alleged assault of Rustenburg matric learners

Taxi driver suspended — a Rustenburg-based taxi operator has been placed on interim suspension following allegations of improper conduct, including the use of vulgar language and the forcible removal of passengers from a vehicle.

The action follows a dispute between a 40-year-old driver and two matric learners who were allegedly assaulted over unpaid taxi fares over the weekend.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday while the learners from HF Tlou Secondary School were travelling with other commuters from Rustenburg Taxi Rank to Tlhabane en route to attend weekend classes at Meridian College in Rustenburg.

Industry structures moved swiftly, with South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the Taxi Negotiating Forum (TNF) 9 Company Board of Directors on the Rustenburg Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) initiating an investigation that included the review of video footage and statements from those involved.

The disciplinary process is still underway, with a second phase expected to include interviews with the affected learners and their parents. The outcome of the probe is anticipated to determine whether further action will be taken against the driver.
Meridian College has meanwhile stepped in to provide support to the traumatised learners, who have since opened assault cases with the police.

Civil society organisation Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) welcomed the suspension, describing it as an important step towards restoring confidence in public transport and reinforcing accountability within the taxi industry.

MRM Provincial Committee convenor Pastor Lesiba Kgwele praised the swift handling of the matter, noting that the structured complaints process, verification mechanisms and objective gathering of evidence demonstrated a growing commitment to professionalism and customer care.

He said decisive action at the conclusion of the investigation would send a strong message of zero tolerance for violence and abuse of passengers, adding that such measures were key to addressing long-standing perceptions of unruly behaviour among some drivers.

Kgwele also urged commuters to conduct themselves responsibly, cooperate with drivers and respect fellow passengers, stressing that mutual respect remains central to safer public transport and community cohesion.