According To BBC Africa, five people have died in ongoing protest in Cape Town, South Africa, this week long strike was called in response to what drivers said was
“heavy handed tactics”
By law enforcement authorities. The taxi drivers complained over infringements levelled on them, which includes not wearing a seatbelt and allegedly driving in the emergency lane drivers said. The taxi drivers and owners said their vehicle were being targeted and impounded for minor offenses.
The victims include a 40-year-old Bristish national whose family is being supported by the UK Foreign Office. The South African Ministry of Police said 120 people had been arrested since the strikes began on August 3 and they were aware of incidents of looting, stone throwing and arson. Police Officer Bheki Cele also confirmed a police officer was among those who died.
On Tuesday, residents in the Masiphumelele township set up barricades, preventing other residents from leaving, many of those barricades have been set alight, The UK has issued a travel warning after the strike was listed as a highly security threat for tourists visiting South Africa.
#Clique what are your thoughts?
