Taxi strike latest: Talks collapse, depot petrol-bombed, Golden Arrow interdict, rail services

Talks between the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) and the Western Cape Government (WCG) to resolve the taxi strike was suspended on Sunday evening. 

This means that the crippling strike will continue until 9 August as planned. 

Over the weekend, a spate of attacks believed to be linked to the violent taxi strike in Cape Town have taken place.

Cape Town taxi strike

The week-long strike has been ongoing since Thursday and was sparked by the impounding of minibus taxis in the Mother City on Tuesday as per new by-laws.

Taxi drivers claim they are being targeted, and arrests and seizures are effected in a brutal manner.

Golden Arrow obtains interdict

The strike has led to the torching of at least six Golden Arrow buses, with one of the bus company’s drivers shot and injured in Khayelitsha.

On Sunday, eNCA reported that Golden Arrow Bus Services granted interdict against harassment and intimidation by Cape Town taxi associations.

WATCH: Taxi strike updates and THAT video of Cape Town cops assaulting driver [WATCH]

Destruction and mayhem

A city depot in Delft was petrol-bombed on Saturday night, and at least seven vehicles belonging to different departments, including law enforcement vehicles, were damaged or completely destroyed, according to Cape Town mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith.

Smith said traffic officers also responded to reports of public violence in Atlantis on Saturday.

Three vehicles were torched in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, and arson equipment, as well as tyres were seized in Atlantis.

Concerns that Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers might be targeted during the strike have also been expressed after officer Zanikhaya Kwinana, was fatally shot while on a crime prevention patrol for any taxi strike-related incidents in Nyanga.

ALSO READ: Cape Town cop gunned down while on patrol during taxi strike

Other taxi strike-related incidents

• Hospitals and clinics continue to struggle due to the Western Cape taxi strike,
• Health workers have been attacked and hospitals and clinics blocked, leading to the postponement of surgeries and admissions.
• Eskom company vehicle was petrol-bombed in Khayelitsha.
• Vehicles set alight in Khayelitsha, Langa and Atlantis.
• Protests, with reports of tyres set alight in Atlantis, Bloekombos, Witsand and Borcherds Quarry, and
• Stone-throwing along the N7 near Dunoon, where a delivery van was also set alight.

ALSO READ: Cape Town taxi strike: Bus driver shot and MyCiti Khayelitsha route suspended

Delays due to taxi strike

Meanwhile, Metrorail will be limiting services this week as the ongoing taxi strike continues in Cape Town.

In a statement, the company said the strike had a significant impact on transport in the city, resulting in the decision to reduce services

“Please be aware that the limited service may lead to altered schedules, and increased waiting times.

“Our team is working diligently to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the train services to the best of our abilities.

“We advise commuters to plan their journeys, accordingly, considering possible delays, and to seek alternative transportation options if needed.”

Commuters are advised to expect delays of more than an hour as a result of a staff shortage.

NOW READ: ‘There is no hope for us’: Santaco taxi stay-away brings Cape Town to standstill