Pretoria - Cabinet has commended the brave women who came forward to report incidents of rape in taxis around Johannesburg.
“Cabinet commends the brave women who have come forward to report these incidents and appeals to communities to assist to find the perpetrators of violence against women and children,” the executive said in a statement on Thursday.
Several women have come forward explaining how they were picked up by men driving a grey or white minibus taxi and were sexually attacked.
About eight women have come forward thus far - according to Gauteng police. The women are receiving both counselling and medical attention.
Police have arrested three men who appeared in the Newlands Magistrates’ Court this week in connection with the cases. Investigations into the incidents continue.
Cabinet which held its regular fortnightly meeting on Wednesday, condemned violence against women, saying it was a cause for concern.
“Cabinet affirms that the rights and safety of all women in our society must be protected. The recent incidents of sexual assault on women, particularly by taxi drivers is a cause for concern.”
On other taxi industry related incidents - Cabinet said it was concerned by the increasing incidents of taxi violence in some parts of the country.
At least two taxi drivers were shot dead in separate incidents in Delft and Philippi East earlier this month, while last week a driver was stabbed at Cape Town Station.
In the Eastern Cape - the provincial government has shut down some taxi ranks in Mthatha and Nqguleni, due to ongoing deadly feuds.
At least 30 people have been killed, and several others injured, in the violence over routes between Mthatha and Libode.
Similar taxi violence incidents have been reported around Gauteng in areas such as Palm Springs and Kagiso, where taxi drivers have been gunned down.
Cabinet has called on the transport sector and law enforcement agencies to work together to tackle the resurgence of taxi violence.
“All role players in the taxi industry are urged to engage in dialogue and seek solutions to the underlying issues so that they don't negatively affect commuters who depend on their services,” Cabinet said. - SAnews.gov.za
