Additional police have been deployed at the Nyanga taxi tank in Cape Town, following an incident in which more than a dozen taxis were set on fire on Sunday evening.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that the incident occurred late Sunday.
Potelwa said the local police and firefighting services were called out to the scene, after flames were seen coming from some vehicles.
“Official reports also indicate that three minibus taxis were completely destroyed and 13 damaged as a result of the fire that is probed by police,” said Potelwa.
However, IOL understands that close to 20 taxis were set ablaze at the taxi rank.
She said a case of arson is under investigation by SAPS detectives and no arrests have been made.
“The deployed forces will remain in the area until calm is restored,” Potelwa.
She said the taxi rank remains open for commuters.
Meanwhile, South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the province condemned the incident, calling the burning of taxis at the Nyanga Terminus “unacceptable".
Santaco urged those responsible to seek a peaceful resolution to avoid further property damage.
“We, the provincial structure will be requesting a meeting with the executive of Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) to brief us regarding the happenings, where we will be encouraging them to meet with those parties involved to find an amicable solution,” Santaco said in a statement.
The taxi association further emphasised its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and a stable taxi industry to serve commuters in the province.
“Anyone with any information should approach the relevant law enforcement agencies,” Santaco added.
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