SANTACO calls for an end to violence in Cape Town
SANTACO denies that its members are behind the on going attacks and violent scenes across Cape Town over the last few days.
Almost a week since the start of the taxi strike in the Western Cape, a driver was shot dead, one bus driver shot in the leg ,10 Golden Arrow Buses, an ambulance and several cars have been torched. SANTACO (South African National Taxi Council) has finally called for calm and requested for their members and the affected eight taxi associations to adhere to the two interdicts against them.
SANTACO FINALLY SPEAKS UP AGAINST THE VIOLENCE
ALSO READ: City of Cape Town pleads: SANTACO, end violence and lawlessness
SANTACO National, SANTACO WC and the affected 8 Taxi Associations hereby call for calm amidst impasse. pic.twitter.com/2tItx29Rmk
— SANTACO (@SA_Taxis) August 7, 2023
SANTACO has continued to distance themselves from the perpetrators who have caused chaos across Cape Town, preventing others of free movement as private vehicles are stoned, forcing the closure of schools are health facilities.
“We are especially aggrieved by the public perception that we are lawless. This perception is being fuelled by the protestors and not members of our organisation” SANTACO said in a statement.
ALSO READ: Taxi strike: City of Cape Town GRANTED urgent interdict
CITY OF CAPE TOWN OBTAINS INTERDICT
On Sunday and Monday night, the Western Cape High Court granted Golden Arrow Bus Services and the City of Cape Town an interdict against SANTACO and the eight taxi associations, to prevent the from being attacked, harassed, threatened or have any of their services disrupted. However that did little to sway protestors as more of buses were torched
SANTACO has since asked for its members to adhere to the interdicts against them.
“We condemn all violent acts as well as the continuous disruption of the transport system of the metropole. Please refrain from any such actions or any confrontation with law enforcement officers, other transport service providers and the general public.”
“Peace cannot be obtained through violence and destruction. Any such actions are not helpful to resolve our disputes with the City.”
On Tuesday morning, Golden Arrow, admitted to their not being any major incidents reported however, they were still unable to operate from Mitchell’s Plain.