The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) announced the arrest of two key individuals believed to be behind the recent taxi-related riots in Mthatha.
Who incited the Mthatha taxi riots?
This strike resulted in major routes being blocked and significant disruptions to daily activities in the region, on Monday, 27 May 2024.
The first suspect, 52-year-old Mthuthuzeli Sogoni, is a member of a taxi association in the OR Tambo District.
Sogoni was wanted in connection with a voice note he allegedly circulated, inciting violence and mobilising people to abstain from voting.
This inflammatory message spread widely on various social media platforms, exacerbating tensions and contributing to the unrest.
The second suspect, 47-year-old Ncebo Nkosi, was arrested after recording a video in which he allegedly called for taxi operators and owners to disrupt the elections and engage in violent protests.
His video message, like Sogoni’s voice note, gained significant traction online, leading to further mobilisation of violent activities.
According to police, the arrests took place on Thursday, 30 May 2024, as part of an intensive investigation by the police, who have been working tirelessly to restore law and order in Mthatha.
Both Sogoni and Nkosi appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on charges of incitement to public violence, contravention of the Cybercrimes Act, and contravention of the Electoral Act.
They were each released on R3,000 bail, and their case has been remanded to 22 July 2024.
The recent taxi riots in Mthatha have caused significant disruptions, affecting not only transport services but also general daily activities.
The unrest was sparked by a strike initiated by taxi operators in response to increased law enforcement actions against illegal taxi operations and the confiscation of unlicensed firearms and vehicles.