The Ongoing Taxi Strike and Associated Violence: Separating Fact from Fiction

With the recent surge in taxi-related violence, rumors and misinformation have been spreading, causing confusion and fear amongst the public. Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, urges residents to exercise caution when sharing information about the ongoing taxi strike and associated incidents. Inaccurate news can create panic and divert much-needed enforcement resources.

Verified Incidents

To dispel the uncertainty surrounding the events, a list of verified incidents has been released:

• The torching of four Golden Arrow buses, four private vehicles, and two trucks at a City depot along Govan Mbeki Road
• A hijacking of a City vehicle in Samora Machel
• The blocking of the N2 inbound at Borcherd’s Quarry by around 30 taxis
• A shooting at Philippi railway station
• Stoning of vehicles at Govan Mbeki and Duinefontein Road, involving an estimated 150 protesters

Additional incidents include:

• A protest in Philippi with around 150 demonstrators, resulting in one vehicle being set ablaze
• Deliberate setting of vehicles on fire in Lansdowne and Stock Road, as well as at Mew Way and Japhta K Masemola Road
• Shots fired at a Metro Police Nyala vehicle on the N2 ramp to Borcherds Quarry
• A demonstration at Hout Bay, outside the SAPS headquarters, which involved burning tyres and stone-pelting of vehicles
• Confiscation and relocation of taxis along Airport Approach Road
• One fatality with three injuries when a driver fired multiple shots in response to stone-throwing

False Claims

Several false claims have also been circulating, including allegations of looting and imminent closures at malls such as Canal Walk, Watergate Mall, and Blue Route Mall. There is also a video showing a Golden Arrow bus under protester control and reports of schools being set ablaze or targeted during the taxi strike.

City’s Response

The City is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to suppress these attacks and ensure safe transit for commuters and the general public. People with information about those involved in the violence are urged to report it to the City’s tip-off line anonymously at 0800 110077 so that the culprits can be held accountable.

Amidst the climate of fear and uncertainty, it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and discerning when encountering news about the ongoing taxi strike and associated violence. By exercising discretion in sharing information, residents can help prevent the spread of panic, allowing law enforcement to focus on addressing the genuine incidents and restoring order to the community.