Cape Town – The Western Cape Mobility Department has rolled out urgent measures to curb a recent surge in taxi-related violence that has claimed at least five lives and left nine injured across Philippi East, Khayelitsha, Macassar, Lwandle, and Somerset West over the past two days.
The clashes, fuelled by rivalries between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA), have disrupted commuters and shaken local communities.
As reported by Eyewitness News, the violent confrontations included shootings on Monday in Philippi East and Khayelitsha that killed three and wounded six, followed by another deadly incident in Macassar on Tuesday where two were killed and two wounded.
Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku condemned the violence as unacceptable and warned, “My first duty is to protect commuters. No one has the right to endanger the lives of ordinary people trying to get to work, school or home… violence will never be rewarded”
In coordination with law enforcement, the Somerset West taxi rank has been closed for 24 hours by SAPS to avert further bloodshed.
Western Cape Government supports urgent measures to address recent taxi violence. pic.twitter.com/dWQHfp7iQX
— Minister Isaac Sileku (@IsaacSileku) August 27, 2025
Authorities are also taking legal steps: an urgent court order will be sought against the taxi associations involved to curb violence, intimidation, and unlawful activities, while a Section 7A(20) inquiry notice will compel them to explain their conduct under the industry’s Code of Conduct—failure to comply could result in suspended operating licenses.
Additionally, a Section 91 notice, which specifies route infringements, will be issued to warn that continued violations may lead to the temporary or permanent closure of affected routes or ranks.
To maintain transport continuity, a contingency plan has been activated that includes alternative transport provisions. This plan is backed by a joint security effort across Provincial Traffic, SAPS, and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, ensuring that compliant operators can safely continue services while noncompliant parties face consequences.
Western Cape authorities are racing against time to stop a full-scale taxi war from breaking out. Two taxi drivers were gunned down at the Macassar Taxi Rank. Several bystanders were also injured. #eNCA #DStv403 #QuestionThinkAct pic.twitter.com/ysxx9nHblD
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 27, 2025
Premier Alan Winde echoed these calls for accountability and calm, stating, “Violence will never be condoned in our province. If these taxi associations are unable to negotiate peacefully, we are left with no alternative but to take the necessary steps to hold them accountable… the loss of life is completely unacceptable” and affirming that only dialogue can resolve ongoing tensions.
This latest eruption continues a legacy of deadly conflicts in the region. The 2021 Cape Town taxi wars between CATA and CODETA claimed 83 lives in a turf war over routes, leading the provincial government to temporarily close routes and deploy military and police resources to restore order.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
