| City rejects attempts at misinformation related to taxi-related violence in CBD | City rejects attempts at misinformation related to taxi-related violence in CBD | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Former%20Mayors%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>STATEMENT BY THE CITY’S MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, ALDERMAN JP SMITH<br></p> | <div><br></div><div>The City notes the circulation of statements and messages, accusing our enforcement agencies of brutality during a violent taxi blockade in the CBD earlier today.</div><div><br></div><div>For the record, the City’s Traffic Services impounded 15 public transport vehicles in the area, resulting in a blockade by taxi drivers of the station deck taxi rank and surrounds. </div><div><br></div><div>The situation became more volatile, following an assault on a Traffic Officer, with the SAPS Public Order Policing Unit responding, supported by the Metro Police Tactical Response Unit. </div><div><br></div><div>Officers came under fire, and responded using stun grenades and tear gas.</div><div><br></div><div>It was then discovered that several of the suspects had locked themselves in a taxi and senior SAPS officials ordered members to breach the vehicle. </div><div><br></div><div>Officers responded by breaking a window, and removing the occupants from the vehicle.</div><div><br></div><div>Several suspects were taken into custody. </div><div><br></div><div>The City will not be intimidated by those in the taxi industry who react violently to any attempts to enforce national legislation.</div><div><br></div><div>As we indicated once again recently, the City is inundated with complaints pertaining to public transport operators who do not adhere to the rules of the road – both from the public, but also legitimate operators who are bullied and intimidated by illegal operators.</div><div><br></div><div>The rules of the road apply to all, equally and the provisions of the law will be enforced without fear or favour.</div><div><br></div><div>There can be no justification for the mayhem that ensued today – no one grouping or entity is above the law.</div><div><br><br></div><p><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2023-07-31T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#c68339a9-4d36-46d9-b104-39c21214789e;L0|#0c68339a9-4d36-46d9-b104-39c21214789e|protest;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#d63bd629-d5be-4620-9b73-8aad50766775;GP0|#37340dd9-34a8-469d-bcc6-6ffb9cc7e0e9;L0|#037340dd9-34a8-469d-bcc6-6ffb9cc7e0e9|CBD;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#633591e2-ed41-4816-9750-3d5f5090deda;L0|#0633591e2-ed41-4816-9750-3d5f5090deda|illegal activity;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
