A tense confrontation between rival taxi associations in Pinelands saw bricks thrown at a taxi rank on Monday afternoon, prompting the deployment of Public Order Police. The Western Cape police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, stated that police kept watch at the scene to monitor tensions. The crowd dispersed after officers used minimum force. The incident occurred amid heightened concern over taxi-related violence in Cape Town.
The confrontation happened on the same day Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku visited several minibus taxi ranks. Sileku's visit followed weeks of deadly clashes in the city, with 19 people killed in taxi-related violence in Cape Town since September. This includes four people shot dead at the long-distance section of the Bellville taxi rank on Friday evening, and a seven-year-old child injured in the shooting.
The violence has continued despite a commitment by CATA and CODETA to maintain peace following a dispute over routes between Delft and Epping. Earlier on Friday, a separate incident in Khayelitsha left one person dead after the son of a taxi boss was allegedly shot at by two men while driving his father's vehicle. He returned fire, killing one of the alleged attackers.
Sileku's spokesperson, Byron La Hoe, said the MEC's engagements were intended to give drivers and commuters an opportunity to raise concerns about safety and conditions at taxi ranks. The engagements took place at ranks in Khayelitsha, Delft, Nyanga, Langa, Maitland and Mutual, with the aim of encouraging collaboration towards a safer taxi industry.
While the Pinelands incident was reported separately from the MEC's engagements, it adds to concerns about tensions and violence affecting the minibus taxi sector. Gwala said the crowd had dispersed following police intervention, but officers remained on high alert and continued monitoring the situation.
Police have not provided further details about what led to the confrontation, or whether anyone was injured or arrested. The Public Order Police deployment at Pinelands is part of efforts to maintain peace and order in the area. The situation remains under monitoring, with police ready to intervene if necessary.
The MEC's visit and engagements with taxi operators and commuters highlight the government's efforts to address taxi-related violence in Cape Town. The incidents, however, indicate that more work needs to be done to resolve the underlying issues and ensure safety at taxi ranks. Key stakeholders, including CATA and CODETA, have a crucial role in promoting peace and cooperation within the taxi industry.
Key points
- 19 people have been killed in taxi-related violence in Cape Town since September.
- The Western Cape Mobility MEC engaged with taxi operators and commuters to address safety concerns.
- Public Order Police were deployed to monitor tensions at the Pinelands taxi rank after a confrontation between rival taxi associations.
