Cape Town – The Western Cape High Court has granted an urgent interdict to the City against the violent taxi strike that has resulted in death, stoning of passing cars, and torching of buses and buildings.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), which called the strike last week, denies any part in the ongoing violence.
Speaking after the ruling Monday night, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said he “welcomed the Western Cape High Courts granting of an urgent interdict to the City against SANTACOs taxi strike violence”.
The City said it joined an applicant in proceedings on Monday night, with Golden Arrow seeking a contempt order against SANTACO for strike-related violence.
The order states that no person, vehicle, taxi, or driver may unreasonably obstruct, interfere or block any vehicle on any public road, throughout the City Metropole, in such manner as to harm passengers or delay or impede the flow of traffic.
The interdict further prohibits any person from interfering with the operations of any transportation depot.
“We welcome the High Court granting us an interdict against SANTACOs taxi strike violence, including attempts to blockade routes and threaten other transport modes and commuters,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
“The City will uphold the rule of law without fear or favour as was demonstrated earlier today with the clearing and impounding of vehicles blockading major routes.
“This interdict further empowers our work with SAPS to keep our roads open, protect busses and commuters, and arrest the perpetrators of disorder.
“We reiterate that until the violence stops, there can be no further discussions.
“We call on SANTACO to stop the violence immediately.”
