Two men suspected to be instigators believed to be behind the taxi violence which led to the closure of major routes into and from Mthatha have been arrested.The two suspects made their first appearance in the Mthatha Magistrate's Court yesterday morning on charges of incitement to public violence, contravention of the Cyber Act and contravention of the Electoral Act. They have been granted bail of R3000 each and their matter has been remanded to the 22nd of July 2024.

POLICE ON THE MOVE

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they have been working around the clock to restore order and tracing the suspects believed to be behind the deadly chaos that claimed two lives and left 18 injured.

"On Thursday, 30 May 2024, the pair was traced to Mthatha. 52-year-old Mthuthuzeli Sogoni is a member of a taxi association in the OR Tambo District and he was wanted in relation to a voice note he allegedly circulated inciting violence and mobilising people not to vote. The second accused is 47-year-old Ncebo Nkosi who was arrested after he recorded a video of himself where he allegedly called for taxi operators and owners to disrupt elections and embark on a violent protest,"said Mathe.

VIOLENCE INSTIGATORS

Mathe said the pair had shared messages between each other and their inflammatory messages were spread widely on various social media platforms.

"The Natjoints has repeatedly warned social media users to refrain from posting and sharing inflammatory messages that could cause harm, mobilise communities to incite violence and engage in criminal acts. It has also been consistent in assuring communities that law enforcement agencies would act decisively against those found to be on the wrong side of the law,"said Mathe.