[imagesource:wikimania]

An altercation between taxi operators and Cape Town Traffic officers led to four people being admitted to N1 City Hospital, and two people getting arrested.

The City of Cape Town’s safety and security MMC, JP Smith said two of the officers were conducting enforcement operations in the area after complaints of reckless driving by taxis when they spotted an overloaded Toyota Quantum shortly after 17:00.

The driver refused to stop, and after a short chase, was brought to a halt, but the driver immediately started assaulting the officers and resisting arrest.

“A second taxi then stopped, and that driver, too, joined the assault,” he said.

Smith said the officers managed to call for backup as a crowd had gathered and started threatening them. Two more colleagues arrived, and they managed to arrest the two suspects.

Smith added that the suspects were detained at Milnerton SAPS on several charges, including reckless and negligent driving, assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, damage to council property – and failing to comply with a lawful instruction.

“We condemn these brazen attacks on our staff, and I call on the justice system to deal swiftly with these suspects.”

A video of the incident has been circulating on social media, showing traffic cops trying to apprehend the suspect. Onlookers praised the action of the traffic officer, saying that the taxis were a menace on the road.

“I am happy with the law enforcement officers, especially in the morning on the freeway, because without them, getting to the CBD would be a horrible experience,” one said, while another neatly summed up most motorists experience: “Taxi drivers constantly threaten me on the road, and I can’t fight back because I have too much to lose.”

Smith stressed that in recent days, a total of six law enforcement officers have been attacked while executing their duties.

He said a group of men assaulted two law enforcement officers in Hout Bay on Monday while they were issuing a fine for an “iphela” (sedan-type) taxi found allegedly obstructing traffic.

“Work is ongoing to track down the suspects in the Hout Bay matter.”

They call on anyone with information, to please report it to the City’s informant reward hotline. Tips can be shared anonymously on 0800 110077.

[source:news24]