Six taxis have been impounded on Wednesday morning amid the temporary route closures between Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Somerset West. The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate has also established a Joint Operations Centre (JOC). This will monitor taxi routes in Somerset West and surrounds.
Six taxis have been impounded
The City of Cape Town’s enforcement agencies along with the Provincial Traffic Services Department effected the impoundments amid the monitoring of all affected major routes and secondary routes. This includes Baden Powell Drive and Govan Mbeki Drive, among others. At this stage their teams have reported that the Khayelitsha, Somerset West and Mfuleni taxi ranks are not operating as per the closure. Members continue to monitor those and other locations.
The Safety and Security Directorate has been monitoring routes
Late last week, the Western Cape Government announced the closure of some routes between Khayelitsha, Lwandle, Mfuleni and Somerset West for 30 days. The closure follows ongoing tensions between taxi organisations.
The Safety and Security Directorate has been monitoring routes since tensions escalated. With the closures, their enforcement services are part of their JOC to ensure adherence, and to mitigate any potential risks to public safety. The City has deployed dedicated staff and resources to monitor the routes. Officers are also utilising CCTV cameras, drones and bodycams.
The City is utilising CCTV cameras, drones and bodycams
From Wednesday, 17 September 2025, the following taxi routes will be closed for a period of 30 days:
• Route M18: Mfuleni – Somerset West
• Route 43: Lwandle – Khayelitsha via Somerset West
• Route 611: Khayelitsha – Somerset West
• Route X19: Nomzamo – Mfuleni
• Route AA20: Khayelitsha – Somerset West via Vergelegen
• Route R96: Khayelitsha – Somerset West via Somerset Mall
• Route AA21: Khayelitsha – Sitari Village Mall (drop-off)
• Route R97: Khayelitsha – Somerset West (drop-off only)
• Route YEX63: Mfuleni – Somerset West (drop-off only)
• Route YEX64: Mfuleni – Somerset West (drop-off only)
Public Emergency Call Centre
The public is encouraged to report any incidents to the Public Emergency Call Centre. The number is 021 480 7700. You can also dial 107 from a landline.
