Today around 12H00 a violent confrontation erupted between the Rustenburg taxi operators and drug users (also called “nyaope” boys) who were allegedly found committing crime within the CBD which escalated into a mob justice against the alleged perpetrators. In order to control the situation, the Community Service Centre (CSC) police from Rustenburg were called into the scene and subsequently led to the arrest of some of the taxi operators who were accused of allegedly assaulting the alleged “nyaope” boys.
The chaos that ensued resulted in the taxi operators blockading both the taxi and bus rank in protest for the release of the five (5) taxi operators who were arrested and faced possible criminal charges for public violence and assault.
The matter was escalated by the CSC to Public Order Police (POP) for urgent blocked roads at both the taxi and bus rank being cleared and order being restored in the city.
It is, however, unfortunate that hundreds of commuters were left stranded and having to make alternative means to commute home.
The Rustenburg Local Municipality appeals to the community of Rustenburg to rest assured that the situation is stable and under the control of the law. We urge the community not to take the law into their own hands and allow both Public Safety and SAPS to carry out their duties in restoring law and order back into the CBD.
For further enquiries kindly contact Mr Andrew Seome on 014 590 3525/ 3111 or 082 717 4374.
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