Taxi violence escalates in Western Cape as government closes routes

On the eve of the closure of several taxi routes due to a decision made by the Western Cape government, bloodshed continues, as the former spokesperson of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) was gunned down in Nyanga.

On Tuesday night, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Western Cape said the abrupt decision was taken without adequate consultation or a clear alternative plan, severely impacting thousands of commuters and the working class.

They called on Sileku to review his decision and to convene an urgent meeting with relevant stakeholders including to present a comprehensive and practical plan.

Government attempts to bring stability and a grip to ongoing taxi violence by closing affected routes today, between Somerset West, Makhaza, Mfuleni, and Nomzamo, saw blood being shed again this after Andile Seyamo, 61, was shot and killed on Tuesday.

Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the shooting: “Detectives are hard at work gathering information at the crime scene in Dlephu Street, Browns Farm for clues after a 61-year-old man was shot and killed on September 16.

“Information at our disposal suggests that unknown gunmen opened fire at the deceased and fled the scene. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The motive for this attack is believed to be taxi related."

Cata remained silent on the incident when approached by Cape Argus while the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO)’s Public Relations Officer, Mkhosandile Tumana said they did not want to speculate until everything was confirmed.

This tragedy raises the death toll to two prominent Cata members murdered in less than a week, following the fatal shooting of their first deputy chairperson, Mnikeli Mgope, 61, while sitting in his white Toyota Fortuner at the Nyanga taxi rank.

Last week, Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku announced the decision that several minibus routes would be closed following deadly clashes between associations Cata and Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta).

Sileku said during Cabinet, the Western Cape Government made a decision to institute Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act and warned that the 30 day  period could be extended should the associations not find a resolution.

More than ten people have since been killed and others wounded.

On Tuesday night, Sileku said he wanted to reassure commuters that no taxi ranks and roads would be closed and only affected routes directly linked to instability will be suspended.

He said Metrorail and Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) would provide alternative transport for commuters and that operators who contravene the notice face fines of up to R5 000 or imprisonment of up to six months.

The news of Seyamo’s death comes just moments after SANTACO released a statement that they understood the extraordinary measures to protect lives while the City’s Safety and Security Mayco Member, JP Smith assures commuters there was no need to panic as there is no taxi strike looming.

“At the same time, we understand that the measure was taken in the interest of protecting lives, amid mounting violence and instability linked to our sector.

“We sincerely apologise to commuters who will be inconvenienced by these closures. As an industry that provides the backbone of daily mobility for thousands of people, we are deeply aware of the disruption this brings,” SANTACO said.

Smith said their Safety and Security Directorate will establish a Joint Operations Centre to monitor taxi routes in Somerset West and surrounds.

MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety,  Minister Anroux Marais,  urged all taxi associations to prioritise the safety of commuters and the broader public.

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Cape Argus