At least five people have died in violent protests relating to a taxi strike in Cape Town, South Africa. The victims include a British national and a police officer. The week-long strike was called by the South African National Taxi Council in response to what drivers said were "heavy-handed tactics" by law enforcement authorities. Taxi drivers are upset over a new law giving local authorities the power to impound vehicles.
The taxi drivers and owners said their vehicles were being targeted and impounded for minor offences. Infringements included not wearing a seatbelt and illegally driving in the emergency lane, drivers said. They claimed others doing the same only faced fines. Minibus taxi operators across Cape Town also aired frustrations that the government was impounding taxis they claimed were not roadworthy.
On Tuesday, South Africa's transport minister ordered the immediate release of the minibus taxis impounded by the City of Cape Town. The minister said the legislation used by the city had been "executed and implemented wrongly" and added that "it doesn't exist" under current laws.
The South African Ministry of Police said 120 people had been arrested since the strikes began on 3 August and they were aware of incidents of looting, stone throwing and arson. On Tuesday, residents in the Masiphumelele township set up barricades, preventing other residents from leaving. Many of those barricades were set alight.
The UK has issued a travel warning after the strike was listed as a high security threat for tourists visiting South Africa.
