South African authorities have received multiple complaints alleging that some police officers are illegally participating in the taxi industry, with reports indicating that both the officers and their partners are operating taxi businesses. This involvement contradicts the mandates of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) and the professional standards expected from police officers.
According to Section 13 of the NLTA, police officers and their spouses are strictly prohibited from owning or operating taxis. Their participation in the taxi industry is not only a violation of the law but also compromises the officers’ roles in enforcing transportation regulations. This dual involvement is considered a conflict of interest that jeopardizes public trust in law enforcement.
Additionally, this conduct breaches the South African Police Service’s National Instruction 18 of 2019 on Integrity Management. Police officers are regularly reminded of this directive, which emphasizes the need for upholding integrity and preventing involvement in sectors that could lead to conflicts of interest, such as the transport and security industries.
When credible allegations emerge, internal disciplinary investigations must be promptly initiated to evaluate the need for corrective action. In cases where sufficient evidence supports the claims, commanders are expected to initiate disciplinary measures and, where necessary, open criminal cases to address the violations.
