Taxi driver protests in Cape town turned violent

Taxi drivers staged a violent protest against the proposed Bus Rapid Transport System (BRT) in Cape Town on 11 February 2009. Security officials closed several roads near the Du Noon informal settlement, including Landsdowne Road, Potsdam Road and the N7 highway, as protesting drivers threw stones at passing buses. Drivers also pelted buses in Mfuleni, and blocked several other roads with their taxis. Anti-riot police officers reportedly fired rubber bullets at the protesters in Masiphumelele on Kommetjie Road in Du Noon. Reports indicate that the drivers also threatened to target buses for Molotov cocktail attacks, which forced many buses off the road and prompted police officers to escort the vehicles through the city. At least three people were arrested for public violence during the protest. The strike affected thousands of commuters in the area as they were unable to find transportation to work. Operations on the metrorail system, however, remained normal.