Cape Town — The 11 suspects who were arrested in the Port St John’s taxi violence have been released from court after it was deemed that there was insufficient evidence found against them.
The taxi violence has raged on since taxi associations in he Lusikisiki/Port St Johns area have been feuding as they try to find ways to work together to find a solution for their amicable disagreements, which have led to lives lost, SAPS said.
Initial reports suggested that the two taxi associations were engaged in a shootout at the Port St Johns taxi rank. Three security officials form the Lusikisiki association were wounded, while a further five from Port St Johns sustained gunshot wounds. An 11-year-old boy was hit by a stray bullet int he shootout too.
However, the 11 suspects arrested for their involvement in the melee were subsequently released after it was deemed there was insufficient evidence against them, eNCA reported. Business were urged to shut down as there were suspicions of more unrest
“One of the community members came and he was telling everyone that we must lockdown, that’s why you see everyone is closing,” a vendor said.
“It is affecting the business because customers, they are scared to come to town. Even the students, the schools have already opened up, but because of the transport, they are scared of the taxi violence,” another Port St John’s resident said.
The suspects have now been released and a team of detectives from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit is now hunting more suspects.
According to SABC News, The Border Alliance Taxi Association and Uncedo Taxi Association leadership are expected to meet with government and other stakeholders to try and resolve the ongoing taxi violence in Port St. Johns in the Eastern Cape. The taxi violence has affected the economy and lives of residents in the small town.
Meanwhile, 40 schools remain affected by the violence as the situation remains volatile, with many students unable to go to school since school opened on Wednesday 17 January, News24 reported.
🚨Must Read🚨
In this latest violent incident forty (40) schools were disrupted due to the taxi violence, causing the EFF great concern. A total of twenty six (26) people have been arrested for the violence which is reportedly linked to the R61 road known as Emthambalala route. pic.twitter.com/3ksM2v45vM— EFF Eastern Cape (@Official_EFF_EC) January 18, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
