By Mapaballo Borotho

- SANTACO North West has apologised after viral videos showed taxi patrollers confronting bus passengers in Hebron.
- The incidents are linked to a long-standing dispute between taxi operators and contracted bus services operating between North West and Gauteng.
- SANTACO says talks have already taken place and all parties have agreed to work towards restoring stability and protecting commuters.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the North West has apologised to commuters after viral videos showed taxi patrollers confronting bus passengers in Hebron.
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— Revolutionary Gansta💚 (@MosaRoccoII) June 2, 2026
Members of the taxi associations from Hebron and Letlhabile were reportedly seen instructing commuters to disembark from buses and allegedly threatened to burn buses and continue blocking their operations, claiming that the buses are negatively affecting their profit… pic.twitter.com/BLDtp20qCW
The taxi body described the conduct captured in the videos as unacceptable, saying it does not reflect the organisation’s values.
“We sincerely apologise to all commuters and members of the public who may have been inconvenienced, distressed, or ill-treated during these incidents,” SANTACO said in a statement on Thursday, 4 June 2026.
The incidents are understood to stem from a long-running dispute between local taxi associations and contracted bus operators along routes linking North West and Gauteng.
SANTACO said taxi operators have raised concerns that some buses were allegedly operating outside agreed peak-hour schedules and transporting both ticketed and cash-paying commuters.
However, the organisation stressed that no dispute justifies the intimidation or mistreatment of members of the public.
It said discussions involving taxi associations, provincial leadership and the North West Department of Transport have already taken place to address the matter.
According to SANTACO, the parties have agreed to work towards restoring stability, improving cooperation and ensuring commuter safety along the affected transport corridors.
“The parties have agreed to work towards ensuring adherence to the existing operational arrangements and to restore stability and cooperation within the affected transport corridors,” the organisation said.
The taxi council further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that public transport services operate in a manner that prioritises commuter safety, dignity and convenience at all times.
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