Cape Town - Law Enforcement agencies are restoring peace in Hout Bay following a violent taxi protest that left a MyCiti bus damaged and commuters stranded Monday morning.
The alleged informal taxi protest flared up at Imizamo Yethu Circle between the Main and Victoria Roads at 7am and spread towards Suikerbossie and Constantia Nek, with protesters burning tyres and stoning motorists.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said: "Public Order Police and Hout Bay SAPS are monitoring a transport related protest (and the) Law enforcement agencies will remain in the area to monitor the situation.
"Approximately 50 protesters took to the street, and a bus was damaged. A public violence case was registered at Hout Bay SAPS for investigation.”
According to a Facebook post by Mayco member for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, law enforcement cleared the Suikerbossie side and commuters were advised to use an alternative until the situation has been calmed and all roads are declared safe.
The City of Cape Town's Transport Services has since warned motorists to be careful and use alternative routes.
One affected parent, Lizzy Mancoba said: "It's bad, parents are stuck with school children as no private cars and buses are allowed on the road, MyCiti was attacked right in front of the Police Station but I didn't hear of anyone being damaged. It's not clear what they are protesting for at the moment but only a selection of taxis are operating."
Codeta spokesperson Besuthu Ndungane refused to confirm their involvement but said: "This is what you get when you are trying to control what's not yours, dictating how people should react now to your oppressive decisions. Whatever is happening is government's fault, and JP Smith should account for the mobility of our people and safety during times like these. We are not condoning this but you can't continuously provoke people and expect peace. It's their bread that you're attacking and they are defending it."