The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape has voiced severe concern following the death of Luvuyo Vimba, a 32-year-old taxi driver allegedly beaten to death during a confrontation with police and Cape Town law enforcement in the city’s CBD on Friday, 1 November 2024.
Story Summary:
- Luvuyo Vimba, a taxi driver, was allegedly beaten to death by Cape Town law enforcement, igniting outrage and allegations of police brutality.
- SANTACO has called for intervention from national authorities, condemning the incident as a continuation of longstanding tensions with law enforcement.
- IPID has launched an investigation, and the EFF has demanded accountability, claiming that Vimba was killed during a minor altercation with police.
Tensions between SANTACO and Cape Town law enforcement reach boiling point
Vimba’s death, which has sparked public outrage and intense scrutiny, was captured in video footage circulating widely on social media, showing a violent altercation between taxi operators and law enforcement.
SANTACO’s public relations officer, Makhosandile Tumana, condemned the incident, labelling it an example of “police brutality” against taxi drivers, and called for intervention at the national level.
“The killing of Mr Luvuyo Vimba follows many incidents,” Tumana stated.
“It is very sad that Vimba was seen being brutally beaten by the police to death. This behaviour is an injustice, and we demand that the police officers seen on the video be brought to book.”
He added that SANTACO is calling for immediate intervention from the Minister of Police, Minister of Transport, and the National Police Commissioner.
SANTACO has long raised concerns about what it describes as “escalating tensions” between the taxi industry and Cape Town’s law enforcement, pointing to a history of altercations and disputes around taxi regulations, permits, and parking enforcement.
The latest incident involving Vimba, however, has heightened fears of further unrest within the sector, with SANTACO urging the government to address these tensions before they spiral further out of control.
What happened to Luvuyo Vimba?
The circumstances surrounding Vimba’s death remain under investigation, though initial reports provide some details of the chaotic scene that unfolded in Cape Town’s busy Strand Street.
Law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason explained that law enforcement officers had been summoned by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to provide backup at the scene.
According to Dyason, the police had identified a suspect after hearing a gunshot, but bystanders, including taxi drivers, allegedly attempted to obstruct the officers.
“The South African Police Service requested Law Enforcement support in Strand Street. A shot had been heard, and SAPS officers had identified a suspect. However, bystanders and taxi drivers tried to run interference,” Dyason stated.
Vimba, the alleged victim, was reportedly among those present at the scene.
He was later transported to the railway police station as law enforcement and SAPS maintained a presence in the area for about an hour.
In response to public outcry, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has opened a formal investigation into Vimba’s death.
The IPID will examine both the actions of the officers involved and the sequence of events that led to the alleged assault.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Western Cape released a scathing statement, condemning the alleged brutality and demanding accountability for what they called “the senseless killing” of Vimba.
The EFF described Vimba’s death as stemming from “a minor interaction” with law enforcement, claiming that he had been leaning against a police vehicle when officers violently assaulted him.
“He was whipped with a sjambok to death,” the statement claimed, adding that the EFF was “appalled beyond horror” by the incident.