Tensions remain palpable in Korsten, Gqeberha, where Somali nationals clashed with taxi drivers.
What happened in Korsten?
On Wednesday, violence broke out on Durban Road, a busy transit district in the Eastern Cape town, after eight minibuses were torched at a taxi rank.
Can government interven in PE korsten taxi driver's vs somalians ryt now pic.twitter.com/aKKwRRLuiG
— Mabekaec (@mabekaec) October 13, 2021
This is not Afghanistan or Syria. This is Gqeberha, and Somalians are parading with heavy machinery after they burned taxis. Our country has become lawless, and no one respects the law of rule now. Cry my beloved country 😥 pic.twitter.com/xYUKDc8rmZ
— Fusi Nkoala (@Iam_Fusi) October 13, 2021
According to police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, things turned ugly when a taxi driver collided with a Somali businessman.
“It is alleged that at about 14:00 this afternoon (Wednesday), a collision between the above-mentioned vehicles took place. It is further alleged that the driver of the taxi alighted and started to assault the driver of the Audi. Businessmen in the area immediately came to the assistance of the Audi driver. The Audi driver got into his vehicle and drove further up the road where his vehicle stalled. A group of taxi drivers attacked him and set his vehicle alight,” Col. Naidu revealed.
Based on preliminary investigations, it’s believed this was the catalyst that set off a series of violent attacks between Somali nationals and taxi drivers.
Furthermore, police revealed that at least eight taxis have been torched, two of which are damaged beyond repair. A civilian vehicle that was, unfortunately, at the wrong place, at the wrong time, was also set alight.
At this time, no injuries have been reported and Col. Naidu confirmed that as things stand, no arrests have been made.
“The situation is still tense and police are on high alert and will remain in the area monitoring the situation. The altercation between the two groups as well as the destruction of the vehicles emanated from the accident incident,” Naidu said.