Day 5 – Two people killed in two incidents near airport as Western Cape taxi strike continues
On Day 5 of the Western Cape-wide taxi strike, two people were killed during morning traffic near Cape Town International Airport. Mass disruptions were reported, with thousands of children unable to get to school and stranded commuters worried about losing income from a lack of work.
Police have confirmed the death of two people in two separate incidents on Monday morning near Cape Town International Airport following altercations between motorists and protesters on the fifth day of the strike.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province has confirmed the deployment of police to various parts of Cape Town, as taxi drivers continue their protest. Early in the morning, minibus taxis blocked Airport Approach, a key road leading to the airport.
One person was shot and three others injured when protesting taxi operators pelted stones at motorists on the road leading to the airport off the N2. “The driver responded to the attack by firing several shots. As a result, a death and three injuries were recorded,” said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Novella Potelwa. No further details were available.
Daily Maverick has received unconfirmed reports that both the person who was killed as well as the three others injured are members of the taxi industry.
In the second incident, close to the N2, a motorist travelling with passengers had his car pelted with stones. Shots were also fired at the motorist, according to Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.
"Nyanga police responded to a complaint earlier this morning, Monday, 7 August 2023. Upon their arrival in Borcherds Quarry, close to the N2 highway, they found the body of a 28-year-old male who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested."
Cases of murder and attempted murder were being investigated. The motive for the attacks is believed to be taxi related.
Four people have died since the strike started last Thursday, including a law enforcement officer who was killed in Nyanga on Friday night.
Monday marked day five of the province-wide taxi strike over issues such as what associations claim is the unfair impoundment of their vehicles. Talks between the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) and the government failed on Sunday, which means the strike, which started last week, will continue this week.
While Santaco has denounced the chaos and violence, its operators were seen stopping private vehicles and chasing out the drivers on the N2 just before Nyanga.
What's Your Reaction?
