The Tshwane Metro Police Department’s Taxi Unit concluded a week-long road safety operation on Friday, 08 May 2026, after conducting inspections of scholar transport vehicles across the City of Tshwane. The operation ran from Monday, 04 May to Friday, 08 May and aimed to protect learners and ensure that public transport operators complied with safety and licensing requirements.
According to a statement issued by the TMPD Communication Unit, more than 43 scholar transport vehicles, including buses, were found to be in a condition that posed a direct threat to the safety of the children being transported. Inspectors identified mechanical defects and safety risks that could have endangered learners if the vehicles had continued to operate. Several operators were also unable to produce the necessary documentation required to legally operate as scholar transport providers.
The results point to persistent challenges in the scholar transport sector, where some operators prioritize profit over compliance. Unroadworthy vehicles and unlicensed drivers remain a serious risk for children who rely on these services daily. The TMPD said the operation was part of a targeted campaign to enforce the law and reduce preventable harm on the roads.
“The TMPD remains committed to maintaining a constant presence on the roads to deter non-compliance,” the department stated. Officials added that regular operations are necessary to hold operators accountable and maintain standards across the city’s transport network.
Parents and guardians were urged to take responsibility by verifying that the transport services they use meet all safety regulations and possess valid operating licences. Checking for roadworthy certificates and operating permits can help prevent children from being placed in unsafe vehicles.
The TMPD did not detail specific penalties but indicated that enforcement would continue. The department reiterated that scholar transport safety is a priority, and non-compliant operators should expect ongoing inspections and action.
