Since January 2020, there have been 40 taxi-related murders and 20 cases of attempted murders in the Western Cape. Bonginkosi Madikizela, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works has met with the taxi industry to try to resolve this ongoing conflict.
In a statement, Madikizela explains that six taxi-related murders have been recorded since Friday, July 3.
“Three taxi drivers were killed in Philippi East on Friday and two drivers and an assistant were gunned down in Nyanga this morning [July 6],” he said.
The Philippi East drivers were aged 25, 27 and 33, and were allegedly shot by unknown assailants. Brigadier Novela Potelwa told IOL that two other men were also wounded during the incident.
Potelwa said the Nygana incident involved a taxi driver and his assistant who were fatally shot several times by unknown suspects at 5am on July 6, upon arrival from the Eastern Cape.
There have been 40 taxi related murders and 20 cases of attempted murders this year alone. These include cases in Paarl, Delft, Bellville, Bloekombos, Ceres, Masiphumelele and Nyanga. These cases involve either CATA and/or CODETA and affiliated associations.
“It is not yet clear what is behind the recent killings. However, the issues of operating licences and route invasions have been identified as the main causes behind the taxi conflict.
“These murders are condemned in the strongest possible terms. I call on the South African Police Services to bring the perpetrators and their paymasters to book as soon as possible.
“The leadership of the taxi industry must assist the authorities to ensure that the rule of law is respected by their members and that the few rotten apples are exposed and brought to justice,” Madikizela added.
All the incidents are under investigation by the Organised Crime Taxi Investigation Team, reports IOL. If you have any information, please contact Lieutenant-Colonel Tarentaal on 079 894 1379.
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