Image: @Abramjee / Twitter
Image: @Abramjee / Twitter
The situation in Gqeberha has been deemed serious enough for Police Minister Bheki Cele and his team to conduct an immediate visit to the Korsten taxi rank, after an almighty clash between drivers and shop owners – some of whom are Somalian – unfolded in a blaze of infamy on Wednesday.
Korsten dust-up dubbed ‘Taxi drivers vs Somalians’
Following a car crash on the main road, a fight broke out between taxi drivers and local businessmen. In retaliation, it’s understood that the shop owners torched a fleet of taxis in the region, damaging 10 vehicles in the process.
A handful of Somalian nationals were then seen on the streets, with at least one of them carrying fairly heavy weaponry, as tensions threatened to boil over once again. Miraculously, the situation was defused, and no injuries were reported.
Gqeberha latest: Bheki Cele strolls into town…
However, the explosion of violence in Gqeberha is hitting too close to home for Bheki Cele, who was criticised for his delayed reaction to the riots which engulfed KZN and Gauteng back in July, This time, he has arrived at the flashpoint promptly, and it is hoped his presence in Korsten will help restore calm to this part of town.
“Police Minister General Bheki Cele and Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, will today, visit Gqeberha following violence and wanton destruction of property.”
“On Wednesday 13 October 2021, violence broke out in Durban Road in Korsten, following a motor vehicle accident between a taxi and a sedan believed to belong to a local businessman. Police investigations show the single incident led to the torching of several vehicles and property.”
“According to police reports, alleged retaliation between the local businessmen and taxi drivers ensued resulted in 8 taxis being set alight, two taxis were damaged and a civilian vehicle was also set alight. No injuries were reported. Bheki Cele and police officials will travel to the area and receive a full report from the provincial SAPS management”
Bheki Cele
