| Enforcement agencies make at least 35 arrests amid ongoing taxi violence | Enforcement agencies make at least 35 arrests amid ongoing taxi violence | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Former%20Mayors%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Statement by Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security, Alderman JP Smith | <div>This morning, we have witnessed ongoing attempts by elements within the taxi industry to generate chaos in our city.</div><div><br></div><div>Numerous incidents have been reported, including:</div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Four Golden Arrow buses torched</li><li>Four private vehicles torched</li><li>Two trucks torched at a City depot along Govan Mbeki Road</li><li>City vehicle hijacked in Samora Machel</li><li>At 05:30, approximately 30 taxis blocked the N2 inbound at Borcherd’s Quarry – enforcement services started making arrests shortly after, with Metro Police officers also reporting that they came under fire at the location, but no injuries were reported</li><li>Shooting at Philippi railway station</li><li>Stoning of vehicles at Govan Mbeki and Duinefontein Road<br></li></ul><div><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/taxi%20statement1.jpeg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /></figure></span>Enforcement services made 27 arrests in relation to the blockade of the N2, while SAPS also confirmed the arrest of eight taxi drivers in Mfuleni this morning. </div></div><div><br></div><div>We have seen the repeated comments from SANTACO, urging their members to refrain from unbecoming conduct, but it is clear that there has been a level of premeditation in the actions we’ve witnessed over the past few days, with our enforcement staff removing piles of rocks and tyres along the N2 yesterday afternoon. </div><div><br></div><div>There have also been clear attempts to target City staff and infrastructure, as witnessed by the murder of a LEAP officer in Nyanga on Friday evening, and the targeting of City vehicles since. </div><div><br></div><div>The City continues to work closely with the South African Police Service to quell these attacks, and ensure safe passage not only for commuters, but the public at large.</div><div><br></div><div>Our efforts are being coordinated through our Joint Operations Centre in Goodwood, and we are deploying as many resources as we have at our disposal to prevent attacks, or respond to incidents as soon as possible.</div><div><br></div><div><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-08-07%20at%2008.45.39.jpeg" alt="" style="width:1069px;" /></figure></span>I call on any person with information about those behind the violence to please report it to our tip-off line, so that the perpetrators can be brought to book.</div><div><br></div><div>The tip-off line is operational 24-hours, and tips can be submitted anonymously on 0800 110077.</div><div><br></div><div>The public is reminded to please report any incidents they witness to our Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.</div><div><br><br></div><p><br><br> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><br></p> | 2023-08-06T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#3bd13869-3207-4532-9db7-a4ca95867a50;L0|#03bd13869-3207-4532-9db7-a4ca95867a50|JP Smith;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#3f57ea8a-3adb-4a8f-bb3a-0a20a62c7fe9;GP0|#b480eb1b-cfa8-45cf-ab3d-21f848f482e9;L0|#0b480eb1b-cfa8-45cf-ab3d-21f848f482e9|safety and security;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
