City adds additional forces ahead of SANTACO strike

The City of Cape Town says it has rolled out a fully integrated operational plan in support of South African Police Services, across the metro, ahead of Wednesday’s planned taxi strike by Santaco.

‘’With a concerted effort to protect related infrastructure and the safety of all citizens, maximum resources have been deployed over this period. Required budget allowances have been authorised to bring additional staff on board in an overtime capacity, with a heavy armed presence at each of the Public Transport Interchanges, including Nyanga, Bellville, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Philippi East, Wynberg, Cape Town and Kraaifontein,’’ said JP Smith, mayco member for safety and security.

‘’Undercover units will be monitoring strategic routes, with specially formulated response teams activated per area. Individual Joint Operation Centres (JOC) will be setup within each area, all coordinated from the main JOC in Goodwood,’’ he added.

Smith warned that any attempt to blockade or obstruct any road or thoroughfare will result in immediate impoundment and arrest of such perpetrators.

‘’Any incidents or acts of public violence that occur will result in criminal dockets being registered and a prosecution sought. These will be compiled and actioned directly by the investigative resource within the directorate.’’

The mayco member acknowledged the right to strike, but urged Santaco not cause damage and inconvenience other road users.

‘’It is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure full control and order over any protest action and to ensure it is of a peaceful nature. Should any incidents of violence or intimidation occur during this period, the City will immediately roll out a harsh enforcement plan as was previously seen both in Nyanga and Hout Bay, with focused enforcement and impoundments on members of the Public Transport Industry’’.

‘’Further to this, the City will seek a civil claim for any damages, along with criminal charges against the organisers of the proposed protest action, leadership of Santaco and its members responsible,’’ added Smith.

He said that SANTACO’s reason for striking over increased fines and impoundment of minibus taxi’s, is a national government issue and not a local one.

‘’It must be noted that such enforcement action is derived from legislation passed from national government more than a decade back and is nothing new. The City will continue enforcing such legislation in an effort to protect passengers and fellow road users.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George