A week-long strike by mini-bus taxi drivers in Cape Town took a tragic turn as five individuals lost their lives in the midst of escalating violence, according to local authorities. The strike, organized by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), was initially intended to address grievances with the local government but has led to widespread chaos.
The unrest was triggered by a new municipal law granting local authorities the authority to seize vehicles for infractions such as operating without a valid license or registration plates. As police began enforcing these regulations, sporadic violence erupted across different parts of the city, with angry demonstrators setting buses and cars ablaze and engaging in confrontations with law enforcement.
One of the victims was identified as a 40-year-old British national, who was fatally shot during the turmoil. South African Police Minister Bheki Cele confirmed the death and announced that investigations were underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing. Minister Cele also revealed that over 120 suspects had been apprehended since the commencement of the strike for offenses including property damage, looting, and public violence.
The strike's impact on the city has been far-reaching, severely disrupting daily commutes and occasionally leaving residents stranded due to the targeting of public transportation services. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis condemned the violence,
emphasizing that the city would not tolerate such tactics as part of negotiations. He called upon SANTACO to return to the negotiation table in a peaceful manner.
“In Cape Town, violence will never be tolerated as a negotiating tactic. We reiterate our call on SANTACO to return peacefully to the negotiation table," Geordin Hill-Lewis stated.
In response to the escalating violence, SANTACO distanced itself from the acts of aggression and attributed them to protesters outside their organization. The council maintained that its members were not responsible for
the violent incidents and reiterated their commitment to addressing the underlying concerns through peaceful means.
The situation in Cape Town remains tense as authorities strive to restore order and safety to the city's streets. With the strike set to continue for the remainder of the week, both SANTACO and local officials face the challenge of de-escalating the conflict and finding a resolution to the ongoing dispute.
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