How can taxi drivers be allowed to run amok like we've seen?
Firstly, in cases of civil disorder SAPS are in charge. Our metro police answer to SAPS, we are controlled by SAPS, we take instructions from them around where we deploy and how we deploy. Secondly, the carnage we saw was hit-and-run stuff. Throw petrol bomb, disappear. So it's not that they're "allowed" to run amok.
Shouldn't they have been stopped?
The offence is committed in seconds and then the perpetrator disappears into crowds. Large numbers of people were arrested.
How many taxi bosses?
That you'll have to ask SAPS about.
Do you have difficulties with SAPS?
Not difficulties. You must just understand the limitation of our powers. We are not SAPS. We're more convenient because we're more readily accessible, but that doesn't make us responsible.You're saying you don't have the power to execute your mandate?
That's not what I'm saying. Please don't put words in my mouth.
Didn't you say SAPS are in charge, you answer to SAPS?
We're under the authority of SAPS on the day.
So your power to act is seriously constrained?
No. When we see an incident of public violence we can respond, and we did.
Only after commuters were subjected to a reign of terror ...
That's inaccurate. We responded to a wide range of incidents across all suburbs.
Are you saying commuters were not subjected to a reign of terror?
No, that is factually accurate.
Was your response inadequate?
No. It is not physically possible for the police to accompany each and every bus on the road continuously...