Mthatha — The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has confirmed that taxi and other transport services are set to resume in Mthatha following unrest due to taxi violence.
Provincial transport spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, said services were suspended 0n Monday after five men wearing balaclavs and carrying guns, stormed the airport and threatened to burn it down if services were not halted. The five men were subsequently arrested by police who shot and wounded two suspects after they opened fire on the officers, TimesLIVE reported.
According to Transport MEC, Xolile Nqatha, the invasion and forced closure of the airport was “very irresponsible” and a “direct provocaiton of the state”. Nqatha commended the police for a a job well done to protect civilians and he has now also welcomed the resumption of services on Tuesday, Binqose added.
He says Mthatha has welcomed the arrival of SANDF members, who are increasing their security presence with more boots on the ground to restore and maintain law and order.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane is appealing to communities to remain calm and not be drawn into unlawful activities. Taxi drivers have been protesting over a crackdown by police last week. Law enforcement officers confiscated 59 firearms, including assault rifles belonging… pic.twitter.com/EhJZsjtSOT
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 28, 2024
According to EWN, the taxi violence and strikes affected the first day of special voting in the OR Tambo region, but IEC deputy chief electoral officer, Masego Sheburi, said this was not down to any IEC ineptness.
“The majority of stations are in the OR Tambo region, owing to the ongoing taxi strike in that area. The NatJoints are dealing with the matter but on our part, we will do everything humanly possible to extend a right to those people without placing at risk our own staff. We will continue to work with the NatJoints to see if circumstances permit for stations to open tomorrow.” he said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@Am_Blujay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
