A British physician was shot and killed after taking a incorrect flip from an airport in South Africa, officers have confirmed. 

The 40-year-old man was shot lifeless final Thursday after he discovered himself in the course of violent protests presently ongoing within the Ntlangano Crescent space of Cape Town. 

It is believed he had taken a incorrect flip from a close-by airport whereas driving with two different folks when a gaggle approached the automobile and shot him.

Unrest on the outskirts of South Africa's second-largest metropolis started after minibus taxi drivers introduced a week-long strike.

The Brit is certainly one of 5 individuals who have been killed within the devastating violence.

The 40-year-old Brit was with two relations when he drove into town’s Nyanga township, situated close to Cape Town worldwide airport.

A “number of suspects” then approached his automobile earlier than taking pictures him, stated Lirandzu Themba, a spokesperson for the police minister. There have been no arrests.

The taxis' nationwide union, offended at what it calls heavy-handed ways by police and metropolis authorities in impounding automobiles, stated its members will not be instigating violence.

The protests have included stone-throwing, highway blockades, looting, arson and public violence, in accordance with the South African Police Service.

Individuals have additionally set hearth to buses and vehicles, blocked roadways, destroyed property and thrown rocks. 

Since Thursday (August 3), officers have arrested 120 folks for varied offences, together with malicious injury to property, public violence and looting.

The South African nationwide taxi council known as for the one-week strike after failing to achieve an settlement with the native authorities over points with a brand new municipal legislation that its members say is disproportionately affecting their livelihoods. 

The legislation grants native authorities the facility to impound automobiles for what drivers have described as minor infractions, reminiscent of driving with out a licence or registration plates, or not carrying a seatbelt.

“We are especially aggrieved by the perception of the public that we are lawless,” the taxi drivers union stated in an announcement. 

“The perception is being fuelled by protesters and not members of our organisation.”

Responding to the violence, authorities cleared a highway on Monday (August 7) to permit for the free circulation of visitors to the airport. 

They have additionally impounded 53 minibus taxis within the course of.