Taxi routes closed amid violence and impoundments

Seven taxis were impounded and six seized for operating in violation of a Western Cape High Court order obtained by the provincial Mobility Department, while another was taken off the road for reckless driving as ten routes were closed in a bid to end bloodshed. 

The closure of 10 contentious taxi routes between Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, Nyanga, and Somerset West began on Wednesday morning with minimal disruption to commuters, despite concerns raised after a spate of taxi-related killings.

The closures follow six deaths linked to violent clashes last month between taxi rivals, the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and the Congress Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta).

On Friday, Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku announced that the routes would be suspended for 30 days, or until both parties reach a mutually agreed-upon solution.

While the authorities said the situation was stable, some commuters were left inconvenienced.

Two nurses finishing a night shift in Somerset West said they had trusted alternative transport would be available.

“We asked the taxi drivers on Tuesday evening if they would operate, and they said they were not sure,” said Tessa Mahlangu.

“We thought that they would, but when we got out of work after a 12-hour shift, we found out there were no buses or taxis to Khayelitsha.”

The pair eventually had to travel via Bellville to find transport home.

At Somerset West Methodist School, acting principal Dinah Meyers said she alerted parents on Monday to make alternative arrangements.

“I sent out a letter that parents must arrange for safe alternative transport to get the kids to school because we are busy with tests and assessments,” she said.

“I got a big surprise yesterday morning, and there were only two absent learners in some classes. I am very proud of the parents because they went an extra mile to get their children to school.”

Meyers said that of the school’s learners, 406 normally travel by taxi, 120 by bus, 162 by private transport, and 35 on foot.

Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith explained why the impounds took place: "We’ve had six operators not behaving. There’s a seventh one unrelated to this particular route closure for reckless and negligent driving, and then we have a situation where taxis are violating the instructions and going to the ranks where they are not supposed to be, and that compels ongoing action from us."

He added there was no violence reported.

Smith said Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) had stationed a representative at the joint operations centre in Goodwood and that his teams were escorting buses and would respond to any attack.

Meanwhile, Codeta filed an urgent interdict on Wednesday against the closures.

Sileku said he signed a replying affidavit to oppose it.

He added that the province had deliberately chosen a 30-day closure instead of 90 days.

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Cape Argus