MBOMBELA – The Lowveld woke up to a morning of chaos on the roads in and around the city today. Thousands of people were unable commute due to taxis which blockaded main routes to Mbombela.
Reports of violent clashes between taxi drivers and police at the Riverside Complex were received. The taxies blocked the R40 at Riverside and the intersection of the Karino and KaNyamazane roads. The traffic soon backed up and a gridlock of vehicles was created on most roads east and south of the city.
Witnesses at the scene stated that they saw bricks being hurled and police firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. One driver showed the media his wounds which he claimed were inflicted by police.
Lowvelder spoke to one of the taxi drivers who requested to remain anonymous. He stated that the protest was due to the new taxi rank that had been established at the Riverside area. “We did not resolve anything with the Mbombela Municipality, we are still not happy and it is the end of the month and none of us have money.”
Police managed to break the protests up and the taxis and their drivers were then dispersed from the areas. The taxi drivers then regrouped and slowly advanced in a procession on the city from the N4 east.
Journalists rushed to the scene and found the taxis had blocked both directions on the N4 near Karino. The media followed the convoy of approximately 200 taxis heading towards the city. Gunshots were heard and threats were made to journalists to deter them from taking photos.
Traffic officials arrived and directed vehicles to an alternative route. The tactical response unit blockaded the road near Absa Square and prevented the taxis from going further. An uneasy standoff between police and the drivers ensued.
Eventually after negotiations with the drivers, the police managed to convince the protesters to move to the nearest taxi rank.
The department of safety and security MEC Mr Vusi Shongwe, who was on the scene, stated that he had negotiated with the taxi officials and a meeting will be held to hear their grievances.
* During the protests a pedestrian was run over by a vehicle near the BP Garage on the R40. Emergency services attended to the woman who was in a critical condition. Bystanders stated that another woman accompanying her, was arrested after assaulting the driver.
Watch the video of the violent taxi protest here:
How we broke the story on social media:
05:00
The R40 and the N4 have apparently being blockaded this morning by taxis. Reports are coming in that people are unable to get to work. Will keep you updated as more information comes in.
06:00
You can use the R37 road and the Sabie as alternative routes from White River. The N4 remains completely blocked. No other alternative routes are known of yet. Will keep you updated as more information comes in.
06:30
R40 towards Nelspruit from White River is closed. Take alternative route where possible
09:00
Traffic Update: Barberton road seems to be clear and safe to use.
Warning: Please avoid Riverside area. Reports have come in that there were allegedly shots fired, as well as stones and bricks thrown. It is not clear who fired the shots, however it seems there is some chaos that has erupted in that area.
We will follow up and keep you informed. Be safe and alerted. Let us know your eye-witness accounts of where you are please.
10:00
Traffic Update:
Traffic by Riverside is now cleared. A female pedestrian has been allegedly run over by a vehicle during the commotion. However, vehicles are now swiftly moving along.
10:30
Traffic Update:
Our journalist has informed us that there is a stand-off between the SAPS and the Taxi association members who are now on Bell Street, near ABSA square, Nelspruit.
The situation remains volatile. Please continue to be alert and safe.
11:40
Traffic update:
After a standoff between police and taxi drivers, the police managed to diffuse the situation in the CBD, the drivers were directed to the taxi rank and traffic is back to normal.
View more photos here:
Read other related stories here:
Monday blues: Feuding taxi associations barricade the R40
