04 May 2025

 Taxi operators in Mochudi have called for a crackdown on pirate transport operators. 

In a consultative meeting addressed by Kgatleng Central MP Mr Mpho Morolong recently, taxi operators and Mochudi Taxi Association told the MP that commuter piracy within Mochudi and Gaborone as well as the transport mobile App Indrive had penetrated the public transport industry.

They said it was unfair that they were regulated, go through regular vehicle inspection, subjected to standard fares and pay for renewal of permits while the unregulated drivers were escaping all charges but active in business. 

These illegal operators drive without a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence and their vehicles do not have the blue number plates, said taxi drivers. Further the association’s  members  also expressed dissatisfaction at the way the matter was handled by both police and Department of Transport and Road Safety.

“It is shocking that it seems like it is business as usual when we have to battle with paying for road permits, while such illegal operators enjoyed a free ride taking our clients,” said one of members.

They said commuter piracy for buses and combis too had reached high levels and that law enforcement officials turned a blind eye. Chairperson of the Mochudi Taxi Association, Mr Cain Ngwato said apart from pirating, customers too were slowly getting accustomed to using the unregulated vehicles where they easily negotiate fares, something he said was a cause for concern,

“We struggle to financially survive while these illegal operators are making a kill in our business and clients know the popular spots around council offices and Spar mall. We, llicenced owners and drivers, are putting in the time and effort to make sure we pay for various documents,” he said.

He said they reported the matter to traffic department and law enforcerment authorities, but to no avail. 

 “The law is failing us. We complain, but nothing is being done. We really do not know what to do anymore because all we literally work for a plate of food because the people we work for give us daily targets,” he said. 

He said if  the situation continued, they would be left with no option but to stop complying with the regulations. 

For his part, Mr Morolong said the meeting was called to appreciate the plight of the public transport industry.  He said he had already met with those that were unregulated in an effort to understand what was happening.

“I can assure you, this issue of commuter piracy comes from far. It is very difficult to resolve because some masquerade as if they are not pirating. The industry is full of streetwise people I tell you,” he said.

He said he would make effort to gather all stakeholders in this matter to try and resolve issues with them as well as relevant officials involved in the matter. Mr Morolong assured them that they were critical in the transport industry since  they  played a crucial part in the economy, hence things should not be left to get out of hand.

Regarding inaccessible routes within the village, he said he would  to meet with council to see what could be done under the water tight budgets, but promised that some grading should be considered for major and congested routes within Mochudi. ENDS