The Border Alliance Taxi Association and Uncedo Taxi Association leadership are expected to meet with government and other stakeholders to try and resolve the ongoing taxi violence in Port St. Johns in the Eastern Cape.
Three people were gunned down yesterday, while three others were killed last week. So far eleven people have been arrested and 15 firearms including pistols, rifles and AK47s were confiscated.
The taxi violence has affected the economy and lives of residents in the small town. Businesses have been closed while some learners were unable to go to school. The R61 road between Lusikisiki and Port St. Johns was blockaded by taxis. This also affected trucks that pass this route. The municipality had to intervene.
“We have a situation whereby our businesses are closed; we have children who could not go to school. It’s very worrying but we are going to engage the two taxi associations, police and other stakeholders to find a solution because we cannot continue like this. People are now struggling to get to their homes, to work and to school but we are going to reach common ground and continue with life,” says Port St. Johns Mayor Nomvuzo Mlombile Cingo.
Both taxi associations say peace is a solution.
“We have just heard about this taxi violence; I am still getting more information as to what actually happened here. Yes, it is very bad, and we are not happy about the killings but I must say we are going to meet and talk about resolving these problems so that life can continue as usual. We want to see peace, we want safety and for sure tomorrow a solution will be reached,” says Fuzile Mtshengele , Uncedo Taxi Association President.
