Five people have died in violent protests relating to a taxi strike in Cape Town, South Africa, officials say, writes BBC.

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.

The taxi drivers and owners said their vehicles were being targeted and impounded for minor offences. Infringements included not wearing a seatbelt and illegally driving in the emergency lane, drivers said. They claimed others doing the same only faced fines.

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. Police Minister Bheki Cele also confirmed a police officer was among those who died.