Seven people were arrested following taxi violence that plagued Cape Town this week, which resulted in road closures, traffic, and the destruction of public and private vehicles and buses, and property.
Also read: Disruptive protesting along N2, road closure and traffic
Protests are the result of retaliation by taxi drivers demanding that the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement release impounded cars. According to mayco member for safety and security JP Smith, 37 taxis and Amaphelas (sedans) were impounded on Thursday afternoon.
“We will not be intimidated by taxi terrorists”:
On Friday, Smith took to social media to share a very clear message: “Let us just be clear. We did not start this battle. But we will finish it. To those taxi terrorists, who are orchestrating the violence, remember – it was you that brought this on.” He further reiterated that the City would not be intimidated by “taxi terrorists”.
Now, EFF members in the Cape Metro have called for the immediate release of all impounded taxis, accusing the DA-led City’s operations as a “money-making scheme”.
In response to Smith’s statement, the political party said:
“We note with utter disgust Democratic Alliance’s mayco member JP Smith’s careless statement that sought to instigate taxi violence and further exacerbate the already volatile situation in the City of Cape Town, in light of the taxi violence that is currently taking place in various areas of Nyanga township, where the DA is currently impounding taxis that they claim to be operating illegally.
“JP Smith took to social media, characterising taxi drivers and operators as ‘taxi-terrorists’ who are operating like mafia style. The utterances that have been made by him could result in a major social crisis that would threaten the lives and livelihood of commuters who rely on public transportation. Taxi violence could especially threaten the lives and livelihood of the working class, particularly the poor,” the party added.
Smith says: “There is no need for violence that follows our enforcement operations as that is what we have mandated to do and what the public expects.”
EFF blames the City:
The EFF added that the City has failed to deal with taxi operators’ concerns. Further, it states that the protests are a result of the City needing to “fix its traffic department systems effectively to enable taxi owners to get their operating licences and permits on time.”
“Additionally, once all permits and operating licenses have been issued, it is imperative that the City executives and the taxi associations conduct regular meetings to ensure an effective, working…relationship,” the party adds.
Also read:
LOOK: “We will NOT be intimidated by Taxi-Terrorists!” Says JP Smith
Picture: JP Smith