Twelve injured in Pinetown taxi standoff

TWELVE people were transported to various medical institutions following a violent protest at the Pinetown taxi rank yesterday.

Several other people were treated at the scene. Pinetown came to a standstill yesterday when a shootout broke out between the taxi drivers and Metro police. A driver and a conductor were injured.

Police had to bring in a water cannon and a tear gas to disperse the angry drivers which led to people getting injured in the CBD.

Robert McKenzie, KZN EMS media liaison officer said, paramedics had to set up a central holding area (CHA), away from the danger area in the CBD.

“Paramedics treated at least 12 patients, including three children. Several patients were treated and released from the scene, while 12 patients were transported to medical institutions including the Pinetown clinic, St Mary’s and RK Khan Hospitals,” said McKenzie.

Taxi owners were also present at the scene pleading with the drivers to calm down and transport the commuters to their homes.