Public violence and rioting flared up in Hout Bay this morning (Thursday 17 November), allegedly as a result of the impoundment of unroadworthy and unlicensed minibus taxis.
According to Rob Quintas, councillor for Ward 74, incidents of rock throwing and petrol being poured on vehicles in the streets of Hout Bay saw the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement services as well as Public Order Policing respond to the scene early this morning.
The City’s Safety and Security Department said road closures – Victoria Road towards Hout Bay Police Station as well as Main and Princess roads – were in place from 08:00.
Constantia Nek towards the Main Road was also closed.
Quintas condemned the violence, adding that it was caused by those who were “happy to drive unsafe vehicles, putting the lives of commuters at risk”.
“The roadblocks and checks on taxis are to ensure that commuters are being transported in safe and roadworthy vehicles, that the drivers of these vehicles have valid drivers’ licenses, and that they have the necessary public driving permits which is a requirement when driving public passengers, and that the taxis have the necessary permits and are not operating illegally on a route, which causes conflict within the minibus-taxi industry,” says Quintas.
Roads in the area were eventually re-opened at 10:15.
