Arson being probed after several vehicles set alight at Nyanga taxi rank

Western Cape police confirmed that they are probing a case of arson after a number of vehicles were destroyed in a fire at the Nyanga taxi rank on Sunday night.

SCREENSHOT

‘’Local police and fire services were called out to the taxi hub after flames were seen coming from some vehicles. Official reports also indicate that three minibus taxis were completely destroyed and 13 damaged as a result of the fire that is probed by police. A case of arson is being investigated by SAPS detectives and no arrests have been effected yet. The deployed forces will remain in the area until calm is restored,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape police spokesperson.

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The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services said firefighters were called out to the Nyanga taxi rank at approximately 22:30.

‘’Multiple vehicles were on fire when crews arrived on scene. Their efforts to extinguish the blaze were hampered by strong winds, but they finally managed to get the fire out at 23:40. A number of vehicles were destroyed in the incident – 13 taxis, four sprinter buses and a civilian vehicle. The Fire Service received no reports of injuries,’’ said Jermaine Carelse, City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson.

The City of Cape Town’s Safety & Security Directorate says resources are in place to boost visible policing efforts.

‘’It is unlikely that the torching of vehicles in Nyanga was accidental - SAPS is investigating a case of arson. Also, this turn of events comes just weeks after a deadly shooting at the rank that resulted in more than a dozen arrests. The City will support SAPS with as many resources as we have at our disposal. It is imperative that this incident is investigated speedily, and if anyone is to blame, that they are brought to book, so that calm can be restored in Nyanga. That taxi rank is a vital node for thousands of people daily – we have a duty to ensure that they are able to go about their lives without fear of a repeat of events of recent weeks,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. 

The cause of the fire is unknown and the taxi rank remains open for commuters.

Taxi mother body, SANTACO in the Western Cape, condemned the incident.

‘’SANTACO-WC calls upon those who were involved these actions, to find peaceful resolution so that we avert any more damage to properties. We, the Provincial structure will be requesting a meeting with the Executive of Cata to brief us regarding the happenings, where we will be encouraging them to meet with those parties involved to find an amicable solution,’’ said Ryno Saaiers, SANTACO WC General-Secretary.

‘’SANTACO-WC is committed to working towards ensuring a peaceful and a stable taxi industry, which will continue to serve the people of our province. Anyone with any information should approach the relevant law enforcement agencies,’’ he added.

Done by: Mitchum George