The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has apologised for the disruption taxi operators caused on the first day of special voting in the Eastern Cape yesterday. The taxi council also confirmed that the protest, which was led by operators in the province, has been suspended indefinitely. Following Monday's disruptions, more police were deployed to Mthatha after taxi drivers blockaded all entry and exit points.

NO GUNS, NO VOTES

Taxi drivers were angered after the police confiscated their firearms as part of an ongoing investigation triggered by a gun fight between the drivers. Two people were shot dead and 18 others were left injured as a result of the incident. Due to the disruption, over a 100 voting stations were unable to operate for the first day of special voting.

"WE ARE SORRY"

Santaco chairperson Bishop Yolelo apologised for the chaos caused in Mthatha that led to road closures, the cancellation of learning and teaching in schools as well as the looting of trucks. He blamed the protest on the actions of a taxi association that did this without Santaco's knowledge." Santaco was not part of the taxi strike, let me clarify that. There will be no protests," he said. Meanwhile, police remain on high alert in the province to attend to any acts of violence that may occur. Provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has warned those that appear to incite unrest. "Such actions are not only irresponsible, but also illegal. We will take strict action against anyone found to be engaging in activities that threaten the safety and security of the public and the integrity of the election process."