The N2 and R61 highways near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape remained blocked by protesting taxi operators on Monday, 27 May 2024, causing significant disruptions.
Mthatha shutdown latest updates: Here’s what we know
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The Eastern Cape Department of Transport and Community Safety reported that roads leading in and out of Mthatha, including the N3, were also affected.
The protests resulted in the closure of Mthatha Airport and disruptions to schools and other public services.
People travelling to, from, or through Mthatha were advised to delay their journeys or avoid the area altogether.
Law enforcement agencies, including the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), were deployed to manage the situation.
Despite their presence, reports of looting and violence continued to emerge throughout the day.
Who is behind the riots in Mthatha?
The riots were led by taxi operators who were protesting against the crackdown by authorities.
The crackdown, which included the confiscation of firearms from taxi operators, was part of an effort to curb taxi violence in the region.
Last week, police confiscated 38 pistols and five rifles from members of a taxi organisation at the Nelson Mandela Hospital in Mthatha.
The firearms were sent for ballistic testing to determine if they had been used in other taxi-related crimes.
The unrest followed a peace accord signed by warring taxi associations in East London barely a month ago.
The accord now appears to be under threat as tensions escalate.
Social media played a role in the unrest, with videos and voice notes circulating, calling for a complete shutdown of Mthatha and a halt to election campaigns in the area.
MEC Xolile Nqatha warned sternly against those inciting violence and threatening democratic processes.
How have authorities responded to the violence?
Eastern Cape Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Unathi Bingose stated that law enforcement was actively working to restore normality.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) provided an update over the weekend, with Deputy National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, emphasising the high alert status and increased police presence in the area to mitigate further violence.
Authorities remained vigilant and continued to address the security concerns while urging the public to stay calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could exacerbate the situation.
