Seven held after Cape taxi protest

Cape Town-150413-Westlake taxi drivers block Steenberg Road, disrupting early morning traffic. They were trying to raise awareness of other pirate taxis operating in the area, something they claim authorities were turning a blind eye to, despite numerous complaints. Picture Jeffrey Abrahams

Cape Town-150413-Westlake taxi drivers block Steenberg Road, disrupting early morning traffic. They were trying to raise awareness of other pirate taxis operating in the area, something they claim authorities were turning a blind eye to, despite numerous complaints. Picture Jeffrey Abrahams

Published Apr 14, 2015

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Cape Town - Kirstenhof police impounded seven minibus taxis and arrested seven drivers during Monday morning’s street protest by Westlake Taxi Association (WTA) drivers and supporters, police spokesman FC van Wyk said.

The arrests were for operating taxis without valid permits, he said.

“In addition, two members of the association were arrested for robbery and assault, emanating from this incident.

“Police do not condone this kind of action by any entity, even if there is just cause, and will not hesitate to act against anyone who violates the law,” Van Wyk said.

The protest caused traffic chaos on roads in areas such as Steenberg, Westlake Drive, Main Road from Muizenberg to Steenberg, and Ou Kaapse Weg.

Taxi drivers and their guards used their vehicles to block the Steenberg Road-Westlake Drive intersection, frustrating many motorists. A small crowd gathered at the intersection and toyi-toyied.

Order was later restored by the police, Metro Police and city law enforcement officials, who managed to clear the roads after the protesting taxi operators had blocked the road with burning tyres.

WTA member and taxi driver Weekend Fodo said they were protesting against taxis from Wynberg, Retreat, Vrygrond and Khayelitsha that were “wrongfully” operating on the Westlake taxi route.

“We are supposed to be operating alone here. We were established in 2010,” Fodo said.

“It’s a peaceful protest. We want other taxis not to operate on our routes.”

Cape Times

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