Police were called to intervene on Friday when some 200 members of the public became embroiled in a taxi dispute at the informal settlement of Vrygrond in Cape Town, a spokesperson said.

Inspector Hermanus van Dyk said the incident happened at about 10.30am when members of the Steenberg Taxi Association stopped a Vrygrond Taxi Association vehicle, demanded it not travel on that route and ordered its passengers to get out.

As the confrontation escalated, some 200 members of the public became involved on both sides, and police were called in.

Van Dyk said the police asked the crowd to disperse, and when they did not, fired rubber bullets.

A 16-year-old youth was hospitalised after being hit in the mouth by a rubber bullet, and three taxis were damaged.

Though police had opened a public violence docket, there had been no arrests.

Police and city traffic officials were monitoring the situation, which was quiet on Friday afternoon.

The Steenberg association had the permit for the disputed route, Van Dyk said.

Sapa

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