South Africa: Deadly Taxi Strike Extended

Thousands of commuters have been left stranded in Cape Town, Western Cape as a local taxi strike enters its eighth day.

The strike – which began on Thursday, 3 August, and was expected to end on Wednesday, 9 August – has officially been extended by an additional 48 hours, as the SA National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the local government struggle to come to an agreement.

Drivers of the taxis are protesting against an amended bylaw which gives local authorities the power to impound vehicles for traffic violations such as driving without a licence or registration plates, or not wearing a seatbelt. SANTACO insists the bylaw is draconian whereas the city authorities claim they are simply using the already existing national legislation.

Thus far, five people have been killed during the violent strike, as angry protestors set fire to buses and cars, while also pelting the police and their vehicles with stones. Amongst the dead is a British doctor, who was shot and killed after taking the wrong route from the airport.

According to city councillor JP Smith, almost 200 criminal cases have been registered with the police as of Wednesday, including charges of murder, attempted murder, arson, malicious damage to property, assault, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Image Credit: Source