BARBERTON – Teargas and rubber bullets were fired in the air at the turn-off between Barberton and Badplaas this morning.
The taxi blockade of the R40 road leading to Mbombela, is reported to have been caused by the reneging of an agreement the Residents Association, which includes the taxi association, with with the City of Mbombela Local Municipality(CMLM) that the local taxi association would ferry its commuters freely.
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According to Michael Sithole, Chairman of the Barberton Taxi Association, the mayor, Cllr Sibusiso Mathonsi held a meeting with their organisation and community where he promised on the spot that with the merging of the two municiaplities, Barberton would control its own route.
“The last meeting we had was on December 5, but to date, nothing has happened. We will continue with this strike until the matter is resolved. We are one, so let us be in control of our own passengers,” said Sithole.
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Police are alleged to have fired shots at the scene. a passenger who was at the scene said: “I don’t understand why shots were fired and teargas thrown in every direction. Some of us are not on strike, we just want to go to work. But we can’t because the road is now blocked by mini bus taxis. We will have to wait and see what happens.”
The mayor is said to be on the way to the scene to address the public. CMLM Spokesperson, Mr Joseph Ngala could not be reached for comment as his phone rang unanswered.
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