There's concerns over the low number of people arrested for taxi violence cases, including extortion and intimidation

DA in the Western Cape are wondering why there is low conviction rates in taxi violence-related cases and is calling on the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority to brief the standing committee on the issue.

According Transport and Public Works, Ricardo Mackenzie, out of the 651 reported taxi-related crimes between January 1, 2018 and July 27, 2021, only 168 had resulted in arrests, of which half had made it to the court roll.

Mackenzie further noted that only nine cases resulted in convictions, resulting in a conviction rate of 5.3%. In the July unrest last year 86 people were killed in the taxi-related violence, with 66 attempted murders cases and 63 taxi-related crimes, including intimidation, extortion, conspiracy to commit murder and the possession of firearms, had been reported.

Meanwhile taxi boss, Mzoxolo Dibela, one of the leaders of the Codeta taxi association and Santaco council in the Western Cape was found on shot dead at the Monwabisi Beach near Khayelitsha on Monday.

image: voice of the cape

by Everngelista Muza