The taxi strike in Cape Town has entered its second day, with escalating violence and disruptions affecting the city’s commuters.
Taxi strike turns violent after bus driver shot in Khayelitsha
Law enforcement agencies, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), are actively working to control the situation and maintain public safety, Colonel Andrè Traut wrote in a statement.
However, during the morning commute on Friday, a bus driver was shot and wounded, and his vehicle was set ablaze in Khayelitsha.
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The strike has led to sporadic incidents of violence, including stone-throwing, and petrol bomb attacks on buses, trucks, panel vans, and even an ambulance.
Major routes and freeways in Cape Town experienced severe traffic congestion due to strike-related activities.
Cape Town taxi strike: SAPS lists hotspot areas amid escalating violence
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) initiated the strike, claiming that the industry was being unfairly targeted by authorities who impounded their vehicles.
The strike aims to raise concerns over the impoundment of taxis and the treatment of the taxi industry by the authorities.
Col Traut revealed that law enforcement partners, including SAPS, are working tirelessly to ensure that the threatening taxi strike is effectively policed, and law and order are maintained without compromise.
High visibility presence and cooperation with the police are being employed to monitor and respond to any incidents promptly.
Hotspot Areas for Violence
SAPS has released a list of hotspot areas where incidents of violence have been recorded.
The affected areas include:
- Atlantis;
- Cape Town City Centre;
- Harare;
- Hout Bay;
- Khayelitsha;
- Langa;
- Milnerton;
- Peninsula; and, among other areas,
- Wynberg.
Investigation and Perpetrator Identification
Authorities have initiated investigations into all reported incidents of public violence related to the strike. SAPS is actively pursuing leads, including CCTV footage and forensic evidence, to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for these acts.
“Any person who has fell victim of a crime associated with the strike action is encouraged to report the incident to police immediately so that the circumstances can be investigated. It is our warning that the public should also be vigilant at all times and apply the necessary personal protection,” Col Traut pleaded.
Cape Town police assured the Western Cape community that its members will remain on high alert and fully deployed to quell acts of violence that pose threats to public safety.
The police assert that they will not tolerate any acts of criminality, and “in the event of crime taking place, our officials will not hesitate to take decisive action.
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