Stellenbosch authorities are still counting the costs of the devastating taxi strike that brought operations in parts of the town, especially Khayamandi, to a grinding halt last week.
The taxi strike commenced on Thursday 3 August and continued until last Thursday, when the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) came to an agreement with the City of Cape Town and Western Cape government on the impoundment of illegal minibus taxis. The taxi organisation instructed its members to resume operations last Friday (11 August).
However, earlier this week, local police remained on high alert in Khayamandi, which was the scene of violence and destruction throughout the strike eight-day period (“‘Dit was nie ons nie’”, Eikestadnuus, 10 August).
Apart from the disruption to everyday operations and attempted looting incidents, the stay-away action by taxi operators also led to the destruction of property in the township, including the torching of the satellite police station in Masitandane Road, Khayamandi last Wednesday (9 August). Operations at the facility have been completely shutdown.
Firefighters of Stellenbosch Fire Department extinguished the blaze.
Captain Nathalie Martin, spokesperson for Stellenbosch police, said no arrests had been made as yet and the facility will become operational once it has been restored – hopefully in the next two weeks.
“At this stage we cannot give an estimated amount of total damage to the building, but can confirm there was damage to the glass door at the entrance, some windows and furniture,” she related.
“There was also plenty of smoke damage and the CCTV camera was stolen. The walls that were damaged by smoke are currently being repainted and the station may become operational in the next two weeks.”
Martin further called on the community to come forward with any information on the incident, especially the CCTV camera that was stolen. Meanwhile, Khayamandi residents are urged to visit Stellenbosch and Cloetesville police stations for services or to report any incidents of crime.
Last week, Eikestadnuus reported on the destruction of two vehicles, including a heavy duty truck that was torched and looted, although it could not be confirmed that the incidents were in any way related to the taxi strike. The Khayamandi Taxi Association also outright denied any involvement in the incidents.
With the torching of the satellite police station, an urgent meeting was called at the Khayamandi Taxi Rank with stakeholders, including local ward councillors, taxi association leaders, municipal officials, local church leaders and business owners.
According to Theo Mbeshu, chairperson of the Khayamandi Taxi Association, the meeting was held to discuss possible solutions to prevent any further destruction to vital community resources and structures.
Stuart Grobbelaar, spokesperson for Stellenbosch Municipality, confirmed there was some damage to municipal property too. “The only municipal property that suffered some damage was the Khayamandi Corridor, where damage was caused to the fence and some windows,” he pointed out.
“Two municipal law enforcement vehicles were also lightly damaged when it was hit by stones. Further, no large scale damage was reported.
- Anyone with information on the criminal incidents is asked to phone Stellenbosch police on 021 809 5012/19.
