Taxi violence results in major disruptions and arrests
Violence erupted in the Central Business District on October 2, causing widespread panic among commuters.
Head to head; rival taxi associations come to blows.
Violence erupted in the Central Business District on October 2, causing widespread panic among commuters.
An feud about routes reportedly reached breaking point shortly after 10am. Initially, Kirkland and Sutherland streets were the only areas affected by the conflict.
Chaos prevailed as the culprits moved towards the Madadeni area, forcing motorists to avoid the area in its entirety.
A unofficial source claimed the dispute was between the Sizwe and Madadeni taxi associations.
“The drivers were throwing stones at taxis occupied by passengers. Some passengers were injured in the process,” alleged the source.
According to police, several taxis were damaged amid the vehement clash.
“The incident spread outside town and ended up at Madadeni, where blockages were done to prevent the commuters from going into town,” said SAPS spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela.
He said the violence continued well into the weekend, leaving businesses and residents in the line of fire.
Police managed to nab 48 suspects shortly after the violence ensued. A further 98 suspects were arrested in Madadeni on October 3.
The culprits are expected to appear before local courts in due course. However, the matter remains subject to police investigations.
