CoCT boosts police in Somerset West as taxi association tensions simmer

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has boosted its policing deployment in Somerset West, where tensions between two taxi associations are simmering.

Mini-bus taxis blockaded routes in Somerset West on Monday morning, prompting the city to effect road closures in the area.

Traffic officials said the roads had been reopened, but more officers were deployed to the area to curb rising tension between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA).

Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said traffic and metro police officers were on high alert in Somerset West as tensions between CATA and CODETA rise.

This follows the killing of a CATA taxi owner in Lwandle, Strand, on Saturday.

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Smith said a mass shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank on Friday last week could be related to a disagreement about a taxi route from Mfuleni to Somerset West.

"We are hopeful that the issues can be resolved amicably and that no further harm comes to anyone. That said, our staff will not hesitate to act if need be to ensure public safety."  

Smith has advised road users and commuters to avoid the Somerset West area where possible.