Taxi protest warning sparks vigilance call in Pietermaritzburg

Residents in Pietermaritzburg have been urged to stay alert following unconfirmed reports of a two-day taxi protest shutdown by the KZN South African National Taxi Association (Santaco).

Shutdown fears spread on social media

Messages circulating online this week suggested Santaco had planned a shutdown for Thursday and Friday, raising fears that thousands of commuters could be left stranded. Attempts to get comment from KZN Santaco were unsuccessful on Wednesday evening.

The shutdown reports follow a standoff in Durban, where 25 taxis were impounded after alleged involvement of taxi operators in the assault of an e-hailing driver. One victim was reportedly shot during the incident.

CPF urges vigilance

The Mountain Rise Community Policing Forum (CPF) issued a statement saying most of the messages referred to the eThekwini region, not Pietermaritzburg, and that no direct threat had been confirmed locally.

Still, the CPF urged residents to remain vigilant:

• Report suspicious activity to 10111 or Mountain Rise SAPS (079 500 1522).

• Watch for tyres on roadsides, groups gathering along major routes, or unauthorised roadblocks.

• Only obey roadblocks set up by uniformed police or traffic officials.

Impact on commuters

The uncertainty has left Pietermaritzburg commuters anxious about possible disruptions. With taxi shutdowns often paralysing public transport, authorities stressed the need for early reporting of disturbances to prevent violence or major traffic chaos.

{Source: Thewitness

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