The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape has admitted it cannot guarantee the safety of taxi commuters amid deadly violence in the province.
Thousands of people who rely on taxis to get to work and school are impacted by the ongoing tensions.
Most recently, there were two shootings in Khayelitsha and Gugulethu, which left three people dead and another wounded.
Speaking with Africa Melane on 702/CapeTalk, SANTACO Western Cape spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana admitted the organisation is struggling to bring the situation under control.
“We don’t want to lie currently. This thing is out of our hands.”
The violence comes amid ongoing tensions between rival taxi associations CATA and CODETA.
Tumana said SANTACO had appealed for calm, but could not promise commuters that further attacks would not happen.
“We don’t want to promise anything, to say there’s nothing that can happen because this thing is not in our control.”
Tumana appealed to those involved in the conflict to stop the violence ahead of a planned meeting between the taxi industry and government on Thursday.
“We are appealing to our fellow brothers to remain calm so that we can meet tomorrow with government.”
Meanwhile, law enforcement have been deployed to taxi ranks following the recent attacks, but Melane questioned whether such measures were working.
“That seems to be having very limited impact on stemming the violence because the incidents, according to the police report, are taking place outside of those ranks,” he said.
Tumana, though, welcomed the increased police presence.
“We are happy that the law enforcement agencies are there to monitor the situation… We hope that in all the hotspots can be the visibility of the law enforcement agency so that the people can be safe.”
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
Sara-Jayne Makwala King
www.ewn.co.za