Cape Town, 13 August 2023: SANTACO (South African National Taxi Counci) in the Western Cape has refuted the claims by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis regarding the assault on a taxi driver by Cape Town law enforcement officers. The assault was captured on video by journalists on the scene and went viral. The officers are seen breaking the window of a mini-bus taxi.

In a subsequent public statement, the City of Cape Town mayoral member for safety and security, JP Smith, claimed the officers were facing a life-threatening situation. Hill-Lewis defended the actions of the officers at a prayer meeting for peace on 9 August at St George’s cathedral. Even though no firearm was found in the vehicle or in the possession of the taxi drivers the mayor still continued to defend the actions of the officers.

Two days after the video of the assault went viral the taxi industry embarked on a strike which lasted eight days. The resulting strike brought public transport to a standstill with only bus operator Golden Arrow able to offer a limited service with their buses being escorted by police.

During community prayer meeting led by anti-apartheid cleric Dr Allan Boesak the actions of the City and SANTACO were condemned. Speaking to the media of the meeting the treasurer of SANTACO Western Cape, Ivan Waldeck, condemned the assault on the taxi drivers and said no gun was found on the driver or in the vehicle as the city and mayor alleged.

NB: Video of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis been interviewed filmed by Zanele Mvana and used with permission.