Western Cape government closes key taxi routes for 30 days amid escalating violence
Taxi violence prompts 30-day route shutdown in Western Cape.
Image: File
The Western Cape government has announced that several key taxi routes will be closed for 30 days from Wednesday, September 17, in response to escalating violence in the industry that has claimed multiple lives.
Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the provincial cabinet had invoked Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, giving it powers to impose extraordinary measures.
"This empowers us to impose extraordinary measures in areas where violence, unrest, and instability in the public transport sector have placed lives at risk," he said.
The shutdown will affect major corridors, including the M18 from Mfuleni to Somerset West, Route 43 from Lwandle to Khayelitsha via Somerset West, Route 611 from Khayelitsha to Somerset West, and Route X19 between Nomzamo and Mfuleni.
Other affected routes are AA20, R96, AA21, R97, YEX63, and YEX64. Specified lanes at taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo, and Lwandle will also be closed.
Sileku acknowledged the disruption the move would cause but stressed it was necessary.
"This has been an exceptionally difficult decision. We are acutely aware that these routes serve thousands of residents who depend on them daily.
"However, given the escalating violence, the tragic and unnecessary loss of life, and the failure of previous interventions to restore calm, these extraordinary measures are necessary to stabilise the situation, protect commuters, and prevent further violence," he added.
The province has seen violent clashes in recent weeks, including six deaths between August 23 and 26, and the killing of an off-duty police officer and taxi operator on September 4.
"It is alleged that the deceased was driving down the street when unknown gunmen opened fire on him and fatally shot him in the upper body. The deceased lost control of his vehicle, which came to a halt against a fence of a residence. The motive is believed to be taxi-conflict related," Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie.
Authorities said families have been 'torn apart' and livelihoods disrupted.
To ensure mobility during the shutdown, Sileku said Golden Arrow buses and Metrorail trains will provide extra services to help residents get to work and pupils attend school during exam season.
Police and traffic enforcement will monitor affected routes, and anyone violating the ban will face prosecution.
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