Taxi Violence Grips Mthatha: Severe Impact on Healthcare and Transportation
MTHATHA, EASTERN CAPE — The Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that healthcare services in hospitals within and around Mthatha have been severely affected due to the blockade of the N2 and R61 roads. The blockade is a result of escalating taxi violence in the area.
In an official statement, the Department noted, “Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional and St Barnabas Hospital staff, who worked the night shift, could not go home, while those who were supposed to report for duty could not get to work because of the blocked roads.”
Dramatic Developments Spark Intensified Crisis
The crisis erupted after critical entry and exit points into Mthatha were obstructed, predominantly by taxi drivers who allegedly hijacked trucks to block both sides of the N2 and R61 arteries. The unrest follows a stringent crackdown by the authorities in response to a violent outbreak last week, prompting retaliatory measures by the taxi operators.
As a result, hospitals have had to function with minimal staff, straining the available resources. The Department assured, “As soon as roads reopen, those who are supposed to be on duty will go to work to relieve those who worked the night shift. The blocked roads mean patients in desperate need of a higher level of care cannot get it as ambulances cannot get to Mthatha.”
Aeromedical Services Activated for Critical Care
Given the dire state of road transport, the Department has initiated the use of aeromedical services to transfer patients needing urgent medical attention.
Heightened Security Measures and Enforcement
Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, reported active law enforcement efforts on the ground, including reinforcements from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), aiming to restore normality. “Unfortunately, it has affected a lot of things, including schools and airports — just about everything,” he said.
Travellers are advised to either delay their journeys or bypass Mthatha as law enforcement officials work to manage the situation.
Police Clampdown Continues
The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported the arrest of five suspects at around 9am on Monday following an altercation that involved shots fired at Public Order Policing and Mthatha Vispol members. “Two suspects sustained injuries while the other three were arrested. Two firearms were also confiscated. A case of attempted murder and possession of firearms is opened for further investigation,” read the SAPS statement.
Public Order Policing, National Intervention Units and Tactical Response Teams have been deployed to oversee the affected areas in Mthatha.
Stern Warning Against Incitement of Unrest
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene issued a stern warning to individuals circulating videos and messages that may incite further 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.”
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