International Desk : Five people have been killed in a violent protests relating to a taxi strike in Cape Town of South Africa, reports BBC.

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The victims include a 40-year-old British national whose family is being supported by the UK Foreign Office.

The week-long strike was called in response to what drivers said was "heavy-handed tactics" by law enforcement authorities.

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The taxi drivers and owners said their vehicles were being targeted and impounded for minor offences.

Minibus taxi operators across Cape Town also aired frustrations that the government was impounding taxis they claimed were not roadworthy.

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South Africa's transport minister Sindisiwe Chikunga ordered the immediate release of the minibus taxis impounded by the City of Cape Town.

The South African Ministry of Police said 120 people had been arrested since the strikes began on 3 August and they were aware of incidents of looting, stone throwing and arson.

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The UK has issued a travel warning after the strike was listed as a high security threat for tourists visiting South Africa.

Sun News/MR

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