The ongoing six-day taxi strike in South Africa has stirred legal challenges for the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) due to their involvement in the protest, which has resulted in escalating violence across Cape Town.
Court Orders SANTACO to Provide Evidence of Compliance
The Cape High Court has ordered SANTACO, a major player in the taxi strike, to provide evidence that it has complied with a previously issued interdict. Judge Patrick Gamble demanded that SANTACO prove that it adhered to the interdict handed down on Sunday. The strike has witnessed violent incidents throughout Cape Town, resulting in five confirmed deaths as stated by Minister of Police Bheki Cele.
Interdict Aims to Ensure Safety and Peaceful Strike
The interdict issued on Sunday aimed to protect employees and passengers of Golden Arrow Bus Services from any attacks, harassment, or intimidation. It also aimed to protect the company’s property from damage caused by SANTACO taxi drivers and demanded that the taxi drivers avoid interfering with other road users. SANTACO was urged to circulate a statement calling for a peaceful strike.
Bus Company Returns to Court for Order on Violence Prevention Measures
Despite the court’s intervention, violent incidents escalated on Monday, with more Golden Arrow buses set ablaze and drivers attacked. As a result, the company returned to court on Monday evening, seeking an order for SANTACO to prove they had taken the required steps to prevent violence.
SANTACO Ordered to Submit Proof and Identify Members Involved
During court proceedings, Judge Gamble addressed a blockade on the N2 highway on Monday morning, deeming it a clear violation of the interdict. By Tuesday afternoon, Judge Gamble demanded that SANTACO submit proof to the court by Thursday, 10 August, demonstrating their efforts to quell violence and lawlessness. Furthermore, SANTACO must provide the identities of any members or taxi operators arrested or involved in the N2 blockade on Monday morning.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Contempt of Court
The legal proceedings are not yet over. Judge Gamble has ordered SANTACO and its affiliates to return to court on 23 August to argue why they should not be held in contempt of court for violating Sunday’s interdict. Responding to the ongoing unrest, the City of Cape Town was granted an interdict on Monday evening which prohibits any person or vehicle from unreasonably blocking the city’s roads or hindering passengers using alternate modes of transport. This measure also prevents members of the taxi industry from coming within 100 meters of any transport depot.
Tensions and Uncertainty Amid Ongoing Taxi Strike
As the taxi strike carries on, tensions are mounting between SANTACO, its affiliates, and the city’s authorities. With legal measures in place, it remains to be seen whether the taxi council will adhere to court orders and try to maintain a peaceful protest or continue down a path marred by violence.
