Concerns over taxi-related violence in parts of the Western Cape have prompted intervention from the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), as police review complaints raised by industry stakeholders.
Santaco Western Cape said it had noted a “recent spate of taxi violence” in parts of the province, warning that the unrest threatens commuter safety and stability in the sector.
“We have noted with serious concern the recent spate of taxi violence in parts of the Western Cape, which threatens the safety of commuters and the stability of the industry,” the organisation said.
In response, Santaco has deployed 32 “peace ambassadors” across eight regions, tasked with early conflict detection, mediation and de-escalation.
“The Peace Ambassador Programme is aimed at early conflict detection, mediation and de-escalation in areas where tensions are identified,” it said.
The move comes amid continued tensions within the taxi industry, where disputes over routes and operations are often cited as key drivers of conflict.
Pressure has also mounted from within the industry. The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) marched to Nyanga police station on March 9, handing over a memorandum on taxi-related violence and giving SAPS seven days to respond.
Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut confirmed receipt of the memorandum.
“Western Cape SAPS can confirm that a memorandum was handed over to Nyanga police. The matter is currently under review and SAPS will engage with the parties concerned regarding the issues raised.”
The intervention follows a series of recent incidents, including the burning of taxis at the Nyanga rank earlier this month, which led to protest action and commuter disruption across areas such as Nyanga, Langa and Bellville. Taxi operators warned of possible escalation if concerns are not addressed.
Taxi-related violence in the Western Cape has long been linked to rivalry between associations and competition over lucrative routes.
In recent months, reports of shootings and retaliatory attacks have disrupted operations and raised concerns among commuters.
Previous efforts to stabilise the sector, including court interventions aimed at curbing violence and intimidation, have had limited success, with tensions continuing to flare in areas such as Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and parts of the Cape Metro.
The instability has repeatedly left commuters stranded, disrupting access to work, school and essential services.
The City of Cape Town said it would provide a detailed response to media enquiries on Friday.
Cata had not responded to media enquiries at the time of publication.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said that the situation is still volatile.
“The situation is still volatile as taxi related crime incidents are ongoing. The areas are Delft, Atlantis, Killarney and Nyanga areas.
“Serious and Violence Crimes Unit is a reactive component focusing on investigation of Taxi Violence related cases. Several arrests were made on Intra Conflicts and cases are on court roll with future court dates and some cases under investigation. Stake Holders meeting with Western Cape Department of Mobility is ongoing to address route-related tension between different Taxi Associations,” van Wyk said.
While Santaco said the ambassadors would help calm tensions, it stressed that lasting solutions require cooperation between the industry, law enforcement and communities.
“Addressing violence in the taxi industry requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including law enforcement, operators and communities,” it said.
Santaco has urged commuters and operators to report incidents of violence and intimidation.
“The safety of commuters remains a priority, and we urge the public to report any incidents of violence or intimidation,” it said.
The organisation said it would continue engaging stakeholders as efforts to restore stability in the industry continue.
Murray Swart
iol.co.za
