Western Cape govt to pursue legal action as taxi strike turns deadly

The taxi strike turned deadly on Monday with more buses torched and government property destroyed.

At least two people have died. 

Winde says the provincial cabinet held a meeting on Monday morning to report back on the various engagements and interventions that have been underway since the beginning of the taxi strike.

The stay-away is led by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the Western Cape.

Winde confirmed a meeting with Santaco but says no resolution was found. 

"I am angry that as a result of the strike, residents have been unable to get home to their families or to work school, shops, clinics, and other critical sites.

"Many government services, including health and social development, are having to close facilities and are unable to provide desperately needed services to our communities.

"Our schooling system is also being affected. This is not acceptable."

Winde says the provincial government remains concerned by the violence, loss of life, and destruction of property due to the strike. 

"Santaco’s leadership must ensure that the violence associated with the strike ends immediately.  

"We also note and support the interdict granted by the Western Cape High Court to Golden Arrow Bus Services against Santaco and its affiliates.

"The Western Cape Government is also pursuing legal action, along with the City of Cape Town, to interdict the violence."

Winde says the strike is making it difficult for negotiations to proceed. 

"We are a government that stands for the rule of law. A withdrawal of services is an important constitutional right, but violence, intimidation, and destruction of property are not. 

"This is non-negotiable. We want to bring all stakeholders back to the negotiations, but this has to be in an environment of calm. 

"We must also not allow this issue to be politicised as this will only further complicate matters."

Police also confirmed looting incidents at certain shopping malls in Gugulethu, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Kraaifontein on Monday afternoon.

Provincial spokesperson Andrè Traut says five people have since been arrested in Gugulethu for possession of suspected stolen property.

"Reports suggest that protestors have violently entered shops and fled with household appliances, clothing, and liquor.

"Cases of public violence are under police investigation and more arrests could be affected as our investigation unfolds.

"A strong police presence is maintained in the affected areas and possible hot spots," says Traut.

Meanwhile, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has urged travelers to arrive at least four hours before their flight due to a lack of staff.

"Calls are currently being diverted to O.R. Tambo International Airport which has been equipped with ensuring passengers receive immediate assistance," it said in a statement.

"Please note that Cape Town International Airport is open and operational. 

"To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive four hours earlier for international travel and two hours earlier for domestic travel as we are working on a reduced staff complement."

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