A Cape Town taxi driver has surfaced in a video to reassure the public that, despite widespread speculation, he is alive after being choked unconscious by a traffic officer during a confrontation.
UPDATE: City officials, in a statement to Swisher Post, confirmed that tensions between taxi operators and law enforcement are palpable and we have the latest updates to the standoff at the CBD deck. See the original story below.
Cape Town taxi driver survives after being choked by traffic officer
This follows a viral video that led many to believe he had died due to the excessive force used against him.
The taxi driver recorded the video at a police station, where he confirmed he had formally laid criminal charges against the two unidentified traffic officers involved.
His statement comes as tensions rise in the city, with reports suggesting that taxi officials may retaliate later today as thousands of commuters head home.
Tensions between taxis and law enforcement escalate
Footage of the altercation, which was widely shared on social media, appears to have been edited to obscure the events leading up to the clash.
However, what is visible is a distressing scene in which the driver is choked unconscious while bystanders express shock and outrage. Witnesses initially believed he had died at the scene.
While the City of Cape Town has yet to issue an official response, concerns are growing over the possibility of renewed conflict between law enforcement and the taxi industry.
Reports indicate that SANTACO Western Cape may respond to the aggression, as tensions between the industry and authorities have been simmering for years.
History of conflict between taxi operators and law enforcement
This incident comes just months after the death of 32-year-old taxi driver Luvuyo Vimba in November 2024, who was allegedly beaten to death during a confrontation with police in Cape Town’s CBD.
His death sparked protests and condemnation from taxi industry leaders, including SANTACO, which labelled it an act of police brutality.
The relationship between Cape Town’s taxi industry and law enforcement has long been fraught with conflict.
In August 2023, a violent taxi strike led to the deaths of five people, the destruction of nine Golden Arrow buses, and billions in economic losses.
That strike was triggered by the City of Cape Town’s impoundment of minibus taxis over regulatory violations.
Following that unrest, a Mini-Bus Taxi Task Team (MBTTT) was formed to establish a framework for cooperation between taxi operators, the City, and provincial authorities.
However, incidents like the latest police confrontation have raised concerns over whether that agreement is truly holding.
Swisher Post has contacted the City of Cape Town for an official response regarding both the assault on the taxi driver and reports of a possible retaliation.
At this time, no statement has been issued.