The city of Cape Town in South Africa has been experiencing extreme violence since Thursday, with reports of shootings, car fires and roadblocks.

Cab drivers blocking the N2 highway, setting vehicles on fire, throwing stones and petrol bombs - this was the chaos that unfolded on Thursday afternoon, shortly after cab associations across the Cape Peninsula announced that they were embarking on a mass suspension action, writes News24.

The violence comes after the authorities carried out massive seizures of "chapas" cabs on Tuesday. The transport associations announced a city-wide suspension of activities.

Some people who have tried to use e-hailing services have had their trips canceled at the last minute or have been charged more due to higher demand.

The suspension measure will be extended until August 9, and there are promises that activities will resume the following day, August 10.

The member of the municipal commission for urban mobility, Rob Quintas, during a joint press conference with the provincial government on Thursday, said that the MyCiTi and Dial-a-Ride bus services had been suspended due to a security risk.

At the time, he said talks were underway to allocate passenger transport services at peak times "with police escort".