Cape Town – The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) on Sunday said it has learnt with “great sadness” of the death of a law enforcement officer in Cape Town as a result of the ongoing taxi strike in the City.
The officer, who was in the municipal vehicle along with other colleagues unfortunately succumbed to injuries after the vehicle they were in was ambushed by gunmen on Friday night.
“We have also learnt that several commuters have been caught in the crossfire, resulting in recorded injuries,” SAMWU in the Western Cape said in a statement.
“Further to this, on Sunday morning, reports were received that the Citys depot was petrol bombed overnight, thus escalating the violence and destruction of property which is supposed to serve residents of the City.
“The Union sends its heartfelt condolences to the law enforcement officers family, friends, and colleagues.
“We further wish a speedy recovery to residents that have suffered injuries as a result of the Friday night shootings.”
SAMWU called on the authorities to leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the criminals who have robbed a family of a breadwinner while also inflicting injuries on innocent commuters.
“Although the Union sympathises with the plight faced by taxi operators in the City of Cape Town and the province in general, we, however, do not condone acts of violence which have now resulted in catastrophic and irreversible consequences,” SAMWU said.
“Seemingly this violence is now escalating, when all this is done, residents of the City will be the ones that suffer the most.”
On Sunday there were reports that Mfuleni Police Station had come under attack overnight and buildings had been torched.
SAMWU called on the City and the taxi industry to engage meaningfully to resolve the concerns which have been raised by taxi operators.
The union said the failure by both parties to resolve these concerns and reach an agreement has unfortunately resulted in death, injuries, and destruction of property, while also affecting businesses and government operations as workers are unable to get to and from work.
“Many of these workers have now become targets for criminals who know where they and their families reside,” said SAMWU.
“As the union, we condemn the municipalitys action for exposing our members in the Safety Directorate by taking away transport they had from all previous administrations.
“We call on the Mayor to do the right in this regard.”
SAMWU said the strike has affected the ability of many commuters who rely on taxis as their mode of transport to report for their duties, thus affecting the economy of the City which is driven by these workers.
“We however reiterate that violence targeted at commuters and workers will not solve the challenges which have been raised by taxi operators in the City,” the union said.
“As SAMWU, we condemn the decision by the City of Cape Town to put law enforcement officers on the frontlines without equipping them with the necessary tools.
“Of great concern, the City has failed to address salary disparities for these workers, yet they are being used as a shield between taxi operators and municipal management.”
SAMWU said the City has resorted to leaving the negotiation table with stakeholders and opted to pit workers against taxi operators.
“Knowingly, the City has created animosity between law enforcement officers and taxi operators,” said the union.
“These are community members who live side by side but have now become enemies as a result of the Citys failure to meaningfully engage with affected taxi operators.”
The Union said it seeks to see normality returned in the City so that workers who drive the Citys economy can go to work without fear of being a victim of the violence seen in Cape Town.
SAMWU said all the parties in the dispute should engage in good faith to find a common ground to the current impasse as it affects mostly the poor, schools, workers, businesses, and the health and safety of union members in the municipality who are not party to the dispute.
“In calling for calm and resolution to the current impasse, we reiterate that those responsible for the death and injuries inflicted on workers should be held accountable for their actions,” said SAMWU.
“In supporting the taxi industry, we cannot support violence which has robbed a family of a breadwinner. We once more convey our sincere condolences to the family of the murdered Officer.
“We wish the family strength during this difficult time. We trust that authorities will bring to book the criminals who took the life of an innocent worker.”
