Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku calls for peace amidst the taxi violence in Cape Town

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku has condemned the latest taxi violence in Cape Town that has claimed the lives of at least seven taxi operators.

A mass shooting left four taxi operators from the CODETA taxi association dead and two others wounded, including a commuter at the Mfuleni taxi rank last Friday. A day later, a taxi operator from taxi organisation CATA was shot and killed in Lwandle near Strand.

A feud between the Cape's two biggest taxi organisations over a taxi route between Mfuleni and Somerset West is believed to be the reason for the attacks. The violence in the taxi industry in Cape Town seems to have spilt over to other areas.

It's understood that two people believed to be part of the minibus taxi industry were shot and killed in Langa township on Monday, and two others were wounded.

Sileku said it was concerning that many lives were being lost to violence. He said the situation, which places the entire mini-bus taxi industry and commuters under threat, cannot be allowed to continue. He added that the Taxi Task Team would be meeting on Thursday to find solutions to the problems.

Sileku called for cool heads to prevail in the taxi industry in Cape Town following the recent deadly shootings. "I call on all role players to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. We must never accept violence as a way to resolve disputes. Protecting lives and ensuring safety across the public transport network remains central to our mission."

Done by: Shaneca Cupido