Watch: ‘Somalians’ parade weapons in Gqeberha – as all hell breaks loose
A small spark ignited some fiery tensions in a busy area of Gqeberha on Tuesday, after a collision between two cars led to violent altercations in broad daylight. A group of taxi drivers squared off with local shop owners (many of whom are thought to be Somalians), as unrest and anarchy came to the streets of Korsten.
Somalians involved in Gqeberha ‘street wars’
The major details have emerged overnight, with police revealing how exactly a small-scale car crash provoked scenes that were comparable to a riot. Things escalated immediately, as the situation continued to devolve.
- It is alleged that at about 14:00 on Tuesday afternoon, a collision between a taxi and an Audi took place.
- It’s understood that the driver of the taxi then alighted, and started to assault the driver of the Audi.
- The Audi driver and went further up the road. But his vehicle stalled, and a group of taxi drivers assaulted him.
- Local businessmen and spaza shop owners, many believed to be Somalians, then fought with the taxi drivers.
- This retaliation was fierce. EIGHT taxis were then torched, with a further two vehicles vandalised.
- Miraculously, no-one sustained any life-threatening injuries amid the chaos.
Watch: Somalians, shop owners spotted with firepower
Various videos of the ferocious fighting have gone viral online, but a more recent upload shows that some Somalian business owners made sure they were ‘tooled up’ for their showdown on the streets:
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
— Fusi Nkoala (@Iam_Fusi) October 13, 2021pic.twitter.com/xYUKDc8rmZ
I am afraid this war between Taxi drivers and Somalians is going to extend to the townships where most of these Somalians have shops and are trading. I can tell you it's not going to end well. i smell another looting coming. pic.twitter.com/22D2LRhdif
— Msunu Wabelungu (@Msunu_wabelungu) October 13, 2021
WATCH: Violence escalated between taxi drivers and Somalians in Port Elizabeth/ Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape today. Vehicles and shops set on fire. #RIOTS https://t.co/r7DHtFF4ES pic.twitter.com/ZjZXIdlosN
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) October 13, 2021
Korsten latest news and updates: Taxi drivers to be probed for reaction to car crash
In a statement issued last night, SAPS revealed that no arrests have been made yet. They described the mood in Gqeberha as ‘tense’, confirming that an increased police presence with remain in Korsten on Wednesday:
“Police have opened a case of public violence. No arrests were effected. 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 initial accident that was reported.” | SAPS statement
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