Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality management and community organisations have publicly thrown their support behind law enforcement officer Masithela “City” Phandliwe following a two-day protest by taxi operators that disrupted public transport services across parts of the city.
The protest, which started on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday, reportedly saw tyres being burnt near Fourways as taxi operators voiced their dissatisfaction with ongoing law enforcement operations.
The disruption left many commuters stranded, with some forced to walk long distances between the city centre and their homes after taxi services were interrupted.
At the centre of the dispute is City, a law enforcement officer who has become well known for his efforts to restore order in Mangaung’s central business district. Through consistent enforcement of traffic regulations and municipal by-laws, Phandliwe has gained support from residents who believe the city is becoming more organised and disciplined.
Supporters argue that for years motorists and public transport operators ignored road regulations with little consequence, resulting in congestion, illegal parking and unsafe conditions. Since intensified enforcement began, many residents have noticed significant improvements, particularly in the city centre where motorists can no longer park wherever they choose.
The growing support for Phandliwe was amplified by City Manager Sello More, who praised law enforcement officers for carrying out their duties despite criticism and resistance from certain sectors.
“People cry when government at any given level does not enforce its laws or by-laws at local government level. We applaud our officers for upholding the law,” said More.
He added that he would engage the Head of Department for Public Safety to ensure Phandliwe’s safety amid increasing tensions surrounding enforcement operations.
More said he was encouraged by both the diligence displayed by law enforcement officers and the public support emerging from communities who want to see law and order restored in Mangaung.
He maintained that government officials should not be intimidated for simply carrying out their lawful responsibilities.
Community organisation 051 Community Development (ComDev) also released posters and messages backing City, describing him as a man of integrity who is committed to ensuring safer roads and fair enforcement of the law.
The organisation said lawlessness hurts everyone and that officials who enforce regulations deserve community support rather than hostility.
Despite opposition from some taxi operators, municipal officials have indicated that law enforcement operations will continue as part of broader efforts to rebuild Mangaung’s image, improve road safety and ensure that municipal by-laws are respected by all road users.
For many residents, the debate has become a test of whether the city is prepared to support officials who are determined to enforce the law without fear or favour.
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