In a statement issued by Alderman JP Smith, The City of Cape Town has reported a series of incidents over the past 24 hours in connection with the ongoing taxi strike.
As tensions escalated, several acts of violence and destruction occurred. A City depot in Delft was targeted with a petrol bomb, resulting in damage to multiple vehicles, including enforcement units. In Makhaza, three vehicles were set ablaze.
An incident in Atlantis involving City Traffic Officers and a taxi further underscored the unrest. The taxi attempted to flee upon encountering the enforcement vehicle but was apprehended by officers and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Upon inspection, the taxi was found loaded with tires and materials used for arson. Six suspects were arrested and more than 110 criminal cases related to the strike have been registered.
Also read: Watch: Mfuleni Police Station comes under attack as taxi strike continues
While the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) distanced itself from the criminal acts, the City states that the organisation should have anticipated the potential chaos arising from the strike, a pattern observed in previous instances.
The City has made it clear that it is open to communication and has received demands from Santaco. It remains steadfast, however, that no negotiation can compromise the enforcement of national legislation.
The City’s primary concern throughout this period remains the safety and well-being of commuters and all road users. The engagement with Santaco continues with the aim of resolving the strike and restoring stability.
WC Mobility importantly noted that any circulating joint statement from the government is not accurate and does not reflect the current situation.
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Lives of poor and working class people upended by violent taxi strike
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