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Durban - The eThekwini Municipality has apparently backed down in the face of threats from the minibus taxi industry and agreed to release an estimated 300 taxis that were impounded by eThekwini metro police for failing to have valid permits.
While the details of the deal reached between the city and the taxi bosses is not yet known, News24 has confirmed from four separate sources, who have declined to be named, that the taxis will be released.
News of the release comes a day after taxi owners and drivers went on the rampage through the Durban central business district, damaging municipal and private property.
The march, for which no permission was granted, resulted in the arrest of 17 people.
Police spokesperson Colonel Jay Naicker said the 17 were expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
It is not known if the deal reached would also result in charges being withdrawn against the arrested men.
It is understood that the municipality and the taxi bosses would be issuing a joint statement later on Wednesday.
Municipal spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa said "we will issue a press release to all media on the matter".
