The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called for the immediate release of all impounded taxis amid the ongoing taxi protests that have violently gripped the Mother City.
Violent protests flared up in Nyanga and surrounding areas on Friday as the City of Cape Town continues to clamp down on illegal taxis.
The violence has resulted in vehicles being stones, roads being blocked, tyres being burned and another Golden Arrow bus set alight.
In a statement released by the EFF, the party condemned the violence but advised drivers to make their stand in the city centre and Ndabeni, where the taxis are currently being impounded, as per News24.
The past week has seen 36 illegal taxis (amaphela) and seven minibuses being impounded.
According to JP Smith, the COCT will continue to impound vehicles “until we have no more space, and then we will find some more space.”
However, the EFF noted that Smith’s remarks on social media calling taxi drivers “taxi-terrorists” “could result in a major social crisis that would threaten the livelihood of commuters who rely on public transportation.”
“The City of Cape Town must 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 EFF continued.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery