The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has welcomed the arrest of two people alleged to have been behind the taxi-related strike that led to all major routes into Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape, being blocked on Monday.

According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police moved swiftly to restore law and order and worked around the clock to trace those behind the ‘incitement of violence’.

Mthuthuzeli Sogoni (52) and Ncebo Nkosi (47) were traced to Mthatha and arrested on Thursday.

Sogoni, who is a member of a taxi association in the OR Tambo District, was wanted in connection with a voice note he allegedly circulated inciting violence and mobilising people not to vote, says Mathe.

“Nkosi was arrested for recording a video of himself in which he allegedly called for taxi operators and owners to disrupt elections and embark on a violent protest.”

The two men appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of incitement to public violence, contravention of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 and contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998.

“They are both out on R3 000 bail each.”

The case was remanded to July 22.

“Natjoints has repeatedly warned social media users to refrain from posting and sharing inflammatory messages that could cause harm, mobilise communities to incite violence and engage in criminal acts.

“Natjoints has also been consistent in assuring communities that law enforcement agencies will act decisively against those found to be on the wrong side of the law,” says Mathe.