COVID-19 winde

The Western Cape Premier has condemned the decision to extend the state of disaster amid declining COVID-19 infections. Image: Alan Winde/ Twitter

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde ‘deeply disturbed’ by taxi violence

‘I absolutely respect the rights of anybody to raise issues – to even protest – but not to disrupt in the way that this has been disrupted,’ said Winde.

COVID-19 winde

The Western Cape Premier has condemned the decision to extend the state of disaster amid declining COVID-19 infections. Image: Alan Winde/ Twitter

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde condemned the violent acts that have taken place since the CATA and CODETA taxi protest began on Thursday morning, 24 March.

LIVE UPDATES: Cape Town taxi strike

WINDE CONDEMNS TAXI VIOLENCE

Winde said his office was informed that there would be a peaceful handover of a memorandum of grievances relating to the taxi industry on Thursday.

He said the taxi industry has not honoured its commitment to a peaceful protest and said it was “deeply disturbing.”

“There has been absolute disruption of our economy, there have been attacks on Golden Arrow buses, infrastructure being set alight, damage to private property and even threats to our citizens,” said Winde.

“This is completely unacceptable and the Western Cape government strongly condemns these violent acts.”

On Thursday, SANTACO announced that two of its members received permission for a protest – a planned march from District Six to Wale Street where Winde’s office is located.

“Cata and Codeta gave Santaco the assurance that there will be no interference and intimidation of the other regions that will be operating as per normal,” said SANTACO spokesperson Gershon Geyer.

A Cata spokesperson said the grievances include impounding of taxis and the unfair requirements for releasing impounded vehicles alongside other issues. Approximately 2000 operators are expected to participate in the march.

Golden Arrow said at least three of its buses were burnt – it is not clear if these attacks are related to the protest.

The South African Police Service said one bus had been burnt while others were stoned.

“I absolutely respect the rights of anybody to raise issues – to even protest – but not to disrupt in the way that this has been disrupted.

 “I condemn this absolutely, I call on the South African Police Service to make sure that we restore law and order and that these impacts are sorted out and dealt with as soon as possible,” said Winde.