The Democratic Alliance has made a statement saying government should shoulder the blame for allowing thousands of illegally converted minibuses to operate as taxis.

The Sunday Times reported that over 4000 Toyota Quantam panelvans have been altered, making them extremely unsafe.

Extra seats have been bolted onto the floor of adjusted taxis which also have no rear roll bar.

While the DA is demanding that government take responsibility. The Transport Department?s Thami Ngidi said it would ensure that the vehicles are removed from the road.

"The minister is going to apprise himself of the reasons why we got to this point. It's an issue that is going to be discussed together with the taxi industry and all the other stake holders including commuters," Ngidi said.

The Toyota Quantams were bought under government's Taxi Recapitalisation Programme while a fleet of them were used to ferry passengers during the recent FIFA Confederations Cup Tournament.