Cape Town granted urgent interdict against taxi strike
Cape Town
officials have obtained an urgent interdict to put the brakes on incidents of
violence that have rocked the city as rolling strike action by the minibus taxi
industry continues into its second week.
The court order says no one is allowed to obstruct or interfere with vehicles or members of the public on public roads.
Proceedings into the application by Cape Town officials and bus company Golden Arrows continued into Monday evening at the Western Cape High Court.
Taxi council Santaco ordered associations to down keys, over the impounding of their vehicles.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says they are willing to return to the negotiating table under conditions.
“We will not negotiate with a literal gun to our heads. There can be no further discussion with local Santaco leaders until their acts of violence stop. Secondly, the rule of law is not up for negotiations. We cannot negotiate which portions of the law will apply to people and not the others."
Chaos broke out on the N2 in Cape Town on Monday when protesting drivers staged a blockade.
Police say they have arrested at least 72 people for public violence.
READ: Second death confirmed amid Western Cape taxi strike
At least two people died in the strike-related violence.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga is expected to update the nation on the latest developments on Tuesday.
