Cape Town petrol bomb

The City of Cape Town R500 million Delft Symphony Way housing project was petrol bombed on Thursday night 9 February 2023. Image: Creative Commons/ Ministry of Defence

Taxi strike: Suspects with ‘strong links to the taxi industry’ arrested with 13 petrol bombs

The three suspects were reportedly chasing after a furniture delivery van in Delft when a Flying Squad police unit passed by.

Cape Town petrol bomb

The City of Cape Town R500 million Delft Symphony Way housing project was petrol bombed on Thursday night 9 February 2023. Image: Creative Commons/ Ministry of Defence

Three suspects were arrested with 13 petrol bombs in Delft, Cape Town on Monday, 21 November. The police saw the suspects chasing after another vehicle while passing by.

TAXI INDUSTRY AFFILIATES ARRESTED WITH PETROL BOMBS

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said members of the provincial Flying Squad were conducting a routine patrol of the area at approximately 10:45 when they spotted a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and sedan in pursuit of furniture delivery vehicle on Delft Main Road.

The driver of the furniture vehicle appeared to be in distress and the police members decided to call for backup.

The suspects’ vehicles were brought to a halt and searched. The police found 13 petrol bombs and the men were arrested.

“The suspects between the ages of 28 and 32, are alleged to have strong links to the taxi industry and expected to appear in court as soon as they are charged in terms of the explosives act,” said Potelwa.

The furniture delivery vehicle was escorted out of the area by law enforcement members. “Integrated police contingents comprising SAPS members, the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement officials and traffic services continue to maintain a strong presence at identified hotspots while the taxi strike is being monitored,” said the police spokesperson.

The SANTACO taxi stay-away started on Monday in the Western Cape. One Golden Arrow Bus was torched and another was hijacked in Khayelitsha. A MyCiti bus was also burnt in the area.

READ MORE: Taxi strike leaving learners and commuters stranded

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