Somerset West taxi tensions rise, leading to public safety concerns
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
In the wake of ongoing taxi violence in the Lwandle and Somerset West District, six taxis were impounded on Monday after the City's Safety and Security Directorate and SAPS were deployed in the area.
This follows a weekend of mayhem after seven people were shot at Mfuleni taxi rank leaving four dead and three wounded. On Saturday an 8-year-old boy was wounded by a stray bullet and a taxi driver killed in Strand.
City traffic officials on Monday established road closures after taxis blocked some of the routes in the vicinity of the Public Transport Interchange, and motorists were advised that Victoria Road between the N2 and Reitz Street were closed.
Police spokesperson , Captain FC Van Wyk said their units would remain on site after impounding the taxis: 'Be advised that POPS took action to disperse the crowd after consultation with the drivers to remove their taxis to not obstruct the roads. Six taxis have been impounded under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act. No arrest as yet, investigations continue. POPS will stay on the scene to monitor the situation.'
Meanwhile the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that one school. Located in proximity to the taxi rank, closed on Monday.
In videos shared by the public, people could be seen running as rubber bullets were dispersed.
By the afternoon, the City's traffic spokesperson, Kevin Jacobs, confirmed that roads were reopened.
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Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said: 'We have deployed more officers across the various departments amidst the rising tension between the two biggest taxi organisations. 'We are hopeful that the issues can be resolved amicably, and that no further harm comes to anyone. That said, our staff will not hesitate to act if need be, to ensure public safety.'
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, on Monday said no serious incidents were reported or any arrests made.
Following a mass shooting in Mfuleni on Friday, in which four people were killed and three wounded, South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) chairperson, Mandla Hermanus, said they were disturbed by the deadly shooting.
'We urge all operators to remain calm and exercise maximum restraint. This incident must not be allowed to derail the efforts under way to build peace and unity within the taxi industry across the province.'
Somerset West experienced heightened tensions as taxi violence lead to road closures and increased police presence to ensure public safety.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane, Independent Newspapers
Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) said they were also outraged by the spate of violence and cited the background, which was as a result of route prohibitions.
'As you may be aware, Codeta Regional Taxi Council had written to the Western Cape Department of Transport and the MEC of Transport, on August 29, 2024, to advise of the partial service of the M18 route due to prohibitions on our operators returning with passengers.
"Despite a notice sent on June 3, 2025, to resume operations, upon resumption of the service, operators from Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) prohibited legal operations, which resulted in a meeting being called for next week.
"Unfortunately, this dispute escalated into violence, resulting in the tragic loss of life. Our efforts to engage with the Provincial Government and the City of Cape Town, and the lack of appropriate regulatory provision have put our operators at risk.
'We believe that the failure to provide a robust regulatory framework has put our operators at very high risk. We demand that the Western Cape Government takes immediate action to address these challenges, but we need urgent action to prevent further loss of life.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
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