Following a day of disruption due to taxi-related riots, the Department of Transport and Community Safety in the Eastern Cape has announced the resumption of all transport services, including the reopening of Mthatha Airport.
Mthatha Airport set to reopen on Tuesday, 28 May 2024
The closure occurred on Monday when five armed men, wearing balaclavas, stormed the airport, threatening to burn it down and ordering its immediate shutdown.
The situation escalated into a shootout with the police, resulting in the arrest of all five suspects. Two of the assailants sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Provincial Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed the reopening, stating that Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha condemned the invasion as a reckless act of provocation against the state.
“He has commended the police for the job well done in protecting that strategic point, and has also welcomed the resumption of services at the airport today,” Binqose said.
In response to the incident, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has increased its presence in Mthatha to help restore and maintain law and order.
Additional Public Order Police (POP) members have also been deployed to support local law enforcement efforts and manage protests more effectively.
The enhanced security measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further disruptions.
Mthatha riots latest news: Here’s what you must know
The recent taxi riots in Mthatha have caused significant disruptions, affecting not only transport services but also general daily activities in the region.
The unrest was sparked by a strike initiated by taxi operators, leading to road blockages and violent confrontations.
The strike was a response to increased law enforcement actions against illegal taxi operations and the confiscation of unlicensed vehicles.
The local government and law enforcement agencies have been working diligently to restore normalcy.
The presence of SANDF members and additional POP officers is intended to bolster security and reassure the public that measures are in place to handle any future incidents effectively.
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport and Community Safety has reassured residents that all transport services will resume as normal.