Tensions escalate as six taxis impounded amid route closures in Cape Town
In a significant move aimed at restoring safety in the face of escalating tensions between taxi organisations, the City of Cape Town has impounded six taxis on Wednesday morning.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media
The City of Cape Town has impounded six taxis on Wednesday morning.
This action comes as part of the city's efforts to implement temporary route closures spanning 30 days, specifically affecting the crucial connections between Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Somerset West.
As disturbances continue within the taxi industry, the City’s Safety and Security Directorate has set up a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to oversee compliance with the closures on all major and secondary routes, including Baden Powell Drive and Govan Mbeki Drive.
A total of six taxis have been impounded on Wednesday morning amid the temporary route closures between Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Somerset West.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media
Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the enforcement teams, in collaboration with the Provincial Traffic Services Department, are actively monitoring these routes to ensure public safety and adherence to the new regulations.
Reports indicate that the taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Somerset West, and Mfuleni are not currently operating as per the imposed closures, prompting ongoing surveillance of these critical transport hubs.
The Western Cape Government announced the closure of several routes last week, aiming to address the increasing unrest within the taxi sector.
To bolster security measures, the Safety and Security Directorate has deployed dedicated staff and resources to monitor critical taxi routes. Advanced technology is being utilised, including CCTV cameras, drones, and body-worn cameras, ensuring a robust response to any potential incidents.
The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate has established a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to monitor taxi routes in Somerset West and surrounds.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media
Effective from Wednesday, 17 September 2025, the following taxi routes will be closed for this 30-day period:
- 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)
The authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any incidents or suspicious activities to the Public Emergency Call Centre at 021 480 7700 or 107 from a landline.
IOL