South Africa’s Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has ordered the immediate release of impounded minibus taxis by the City of Cape Town.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, she said the legislation used by the city had been “executed and implemented wrongly” and added that “it doesn’t exist” under current laws.
This comes after a week-long strike was called by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco). The strike was in response to what the drivers called “heavy-handed tactics” by law enforcement authorities.
Taxi drivers and owners claimed their vehicles were being impounded for minor offences such as not wearing a seat belt and illegally driving on the emergency lane, whereas other motorists were merely issued fines for similar offences.
The strike by taxi operators became increasingly violent in the last few days. Two people were shot dead on Monday while buses, private and municipal vehicles were set alight.
The UK issued a travel warning after the strike was listed as a high security threat for UK tourists visiting South Africa.
Source:BBC
