The City of Cape Town’s Mobility Directorate has indicated that the recent minibus taxi-related violence stems from longstanding disputes between rival taxi associations CATA and CODETA over minibus taxi routes and operating rights, particularly in Delft, Khayelitsha and Somerset West.
The latest tensions reportedly centre on contested routes between Delft, Epping and Killarney, with the very real danger that violence could spread to other major commuter corridors.
Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas, says years of mediation, negotiations and High Court intervention have failed to bring about a lasting resolution.
On Wednesday, 28 October 2028, the City temporarily closed the Delft Public Transport Interchange following a shooting at the Palm taxi rank that left two men injured. Video footage of the incident has since been widely shared on social media. Last week, two men were shot and killed, and another was injured during a shooting at the same taxi rank.
“Thousands of passengers depend on these services every day, and the consequences of further escalation would be devastating. These disputes must be resolved through lawful processes and meaningful engagement, not intimidation, shootings, and bloodshed,” added Quintas
READ MORE: Another taxi-related shooting escalating taxi violence in Cape Town
The City says it is monitoring the situation closely, and resources have been deployed to protect commuters and public transport infrastructure.
“We will keep commuters informed of any changes to the operational status of our facilities as the situation develops. My immediate concern is for the thousands of commuters who rely on minibus taxis to get to work, school, and other essential destinations every day.”
Quintas says there are lawful ways to resolve disagreements and added that both the City and the Western Cape Provincial Government remain available to assist in facilitating mediation of disputes.
“I am calling on the CATA and CODETA leadership to immediately bring their members to order and put an end to this violence. Violence and intimidation have no place in our public transport spaces, and those responsible must be held accountable. No route, no territory and no commercial dispute is worth all the injuries, trauma and human lives lost as a result,” concluded Quintas
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has condemned the violence and called on the taxi industry to take responsibility and find a better way to resolve conflict. Winde says the local cabinet was briefed on Wednesday to look at the legislative framework to help clamp down on the violence.
Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security, JP Smith, has called on the public to share information that could help track down the suspects with the City’s anonymous tip-for-reward line.
“If you know who the perpetrators are, please report it so that they may be tracked down and stopped. We cannot tolerate a situation where thugs put innocent lives in harm’s way without consequence,” said Smith
