Taxi drivers off the hook - for now - after Vereeniging road blockade

The case against 36 taxi drivers who were arrested in Vereeniging on Wednesday was provisionally withdrawn on Friday.

The drivers were arrested on charges of public violence. They had apparently refused to disperse from the roads they had blocked.

They appeared in the Vereeniging Regional Court on Friday.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the case was provisionally withdrawn to allow police to conduct further investigations.

"The NPA requested the police to conduct certain investigations, and upon conclusion of such investigations, the docket will be brought back to the NPA for a decision," Mjonondwane said.

On Wednesday, the drivers brought the town to a standstill, blocking all exits and entrances. Police said the drivers had used trucks to block the roads. They stopped passing trucks and used them as barriers.