The Department of Transport and Community Safety in the Eastern Cape has assured Mthatha residents that all transport services, including Mthatha Airport, will resume operations following a suspension on Monday due to a taxi-related strike.
Provincial Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose stated that services at the airport were halted after five armed men in balaclavas stormed the facility, threatening to burn it down and ordering its immediate closure.
The five men were arrested after a shootout with police, resulting in two of them sustaining injuries.
Binqose reported that Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha condemned the “invasion and forced closure of Mthatha Airport yesterday as a very irresponsible act and a direct provocation of the state.”
“He has commended the police for their excellent work in protecting this strategic point and has welcomed the resumption of services at the airport today,” Binqose added.
He also noted that Mthatha has welcomed the arrival of SANDF members, who are increasing their security presence to restore and maintain law and order.
