Cape Town - The N2 incoming at the R300 has been closed after a MyCiti bus was set alight, as the taxi strike which started in Cape Town on Monday caused chaos the city's streets.
A Golden Arrow bus was also set alight earlier on Monday, while buses and private vehicles have been stoned and commuters, police and traffic officials attacked in various incidents across the city.
Video: Emmanuel
Police spokesman FC van Wyk on Monday morning confirmed the following incidents:
* N1 at Joostenberg Vlakte and Bloekombos protesters burned tyres to blocked the roads. It was removed by SAPS members roads are opened.
* N2 Borchards Quarry buses thrown with stones. Members on scene.
* Fisantekraal – Pottsdam and Wellington Road –SAPS and Traffic members thrown with stones.
* Du Noon – Buses, SAPS POPS thrown with stones. Members took action using rubber and gas to disperse the crowd
* Delft attack on buses one bus set alight. Also attacked were Traffic and Fire Department members. No injuries reported just damages.
There are also reports that commuters are being intimidated and attacked.
Golden Arrow commuter injured when the bus came under attack this morning. #TaxiStrike pic.twitter.com/Dob1YyeDcF
— Quinton Mtyala (@mtyala) September 18, 2017
Chaos, private vehicles under attack. #TaxiStrike pic.twitter.com/J3edDUWIW9
— Quinton Mtyala (@mtyala) September 18, 2017
#taxistrike: The remains of a Golden Arrow bus that was set alight on the Delft Main Road this morning. @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/Y5iHrrhn06
— Zodidi Dano (@Zoey_dano) September 18, 2017
These pictures were taken in Delft during the last hour. Unless its absolutely necessary, stay at home or risk injury. #TaxiStrike pic.twitter.com/g6zzED1Nt5
— Quinton Mtyala (@mtyala) September 18, 2017
It has been reported that one taxi driver was attacked by unknown gunmen in Mitchell's Plain.
According to the driver, he was on his way to Wynberg when another minibus taxi with armed eight people pulled his vehicle off the road and forced his passengers to get out of the vehicle.
The man sustained injuries to his forehead after the windscreen was hit by a brick.
Van Wyk said Public Order Police (POPs), Flying Squad members, K-9 as well as other units have been deployed at identified locations and taxi hubs to ensure safety and security for commuters and motorists.
Video: City of Cape Town
"The SAPS air wing will also be on stand-by. The SAPS is working closely with other law enforcement officials from Metro police and Traffic services to prevent road closures and traffic disruptions," he said.
The strike has affected businesses too. Ster-Kinekor made the decision to close the first shows for all cinemas in Cape Town on Monday morning.
Those who wish to travel by train and MyCiti buses are expected to experience delays of 30 minutes.
The strike include members of the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta), Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Retreat Taxi Association and is believed to be due to taxi impoundments, new taxi laws and the upcoming provincial South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) elections.