Three in custody for public violence
A truck was set alight during the taxi protest in Leandra.
LEANDRA – Locals took to the streets to protest in solidarity with the Zamokuhle Taxi Association on Monday, 7 January.
Their demands were for the association to operate from Evander and Secunda.
The protest began early with the taxi drivers blocking the N17, R50 and the R29 roads.
This came after Zamokuhle Taxi Association held a meeting with the residents to provide clarity about why they not are operating not the Secunda and Evander route.
Mr Mandy Mahlangu of the association said that the residents were dissatisfied and decided to take their frustrations to the street in protest.
He added that last year the association was not allowed to operate in the Secunda route despite holding a valid permit to operate within this area.
“We obtained a court order authorising us to operate on this route and we supplied both the permit and the court order to all the local police stations.
“However our rivalry association is prohibiting us from operating in these areas and it appears that the municipality and police are on their side.”
He said they have had various meetings with police and the Govan Mbeki Municipality, but they can not agree on an amicable solution.
“We feel that the government and the law enforcers have failed and are taking sides,” added Mr Mahlangu
During the protest, a truck coming from Kinross to Leandra in the R29 road was set alight. A case of malicious damage to property was opened at the Leandra Police Station.
Residents accused police of brutality and violence during the protest.
Const Gugu Lengwati, police spokesman confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property has been opened and that person was injured during the protest.
“Few cases of public violence were opened and three suspects were arrested.
“We are constantly monitoring the situation and we urge motorists to be cautious while driving in the R29, R50, and N17.”
