As violent protests rocked townships, ambulances, buses and several other vehicles were set alight in Cape Town.
This happened after SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) ordered taxi drivers off the streets immediately.
The taxi association is protesting after traffic cops and taxi drivers clashed on Tuesday, 1 August.
Officers impounded 25 taxis on the day, an action that provoked the drivers, who then blocked roads with their vehicles. Since Tuesday, taxis and law enforcement agencies have been at each other's throats.
According to the MMC of Safety and Security Jean-Pierre Smith, four buses were petrol bombed, three trucks set alight, an ambulance and three bakkies around Khayelitsha and Nyanga.
During the evening peak hour, taxis blocked roads, causing huge traffic jams around the CBD and other areas around Cape Town.
"These actions speak of thuggery and criminality and contempt for the safety of all commuters and road users. These shameful and cowardly acts must be placed before the leadership of SANTACO and the taxi associations involved," Smith said.
Golden Arrow Bus Services said the violent incidents had affected their afternoon peak services.
ALSO READ: Amadlozi desperately need help!
"Unfortunately, there are serious incidents of violence and vandalism taking place across Cape Town. We are doing our best to maintain operations, but the situation is volatile. Traffic is also backed up across all major routes. As a result of this, we cannot provide exact info regarding our services, but we are trying our best to get everyone home," the bus company said in a statement.
The company said Mfuleni was completely inaccessible, and in Nyanga, the buses were leading from Borcherd's Quarry and the N2 was blocked on both sides. Langa was also inaccessible, including the nearby Epping area.
"Khayelitsha is completely inaccessible, and we are only able to operate from the outskirts," said Golden Arrow.
However, Santaco spokesman Nceba Enga said the violence that rocked Cape Town has nothing to do with them.
"Santaco is not responsible for what is happening because we are not operating," said Enge.
Motorists said they are unhappy with what has been taking place on the roads.
"I left town at 16:15, but I arrived in Delft at 20:12. That's how bad this war has become," said Craig Mujati (45).
