WC Mobility Dept taking urgent steps to restore order after spike in taxi-related violence

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Mobility Department says it's taking urgent steps to restore order and protect lives.

This follows a recent deadly escalation in taxi-related violence in Khayelitsha, Philippi East and areas in the Helderberg region, including Somerset West, Lwandle and Macassar.

In the latest incident on Tuesday, two people were shot dead and two others were wounded in Macassar.

On Monday, three people were killed and six were wounded in separate shootings in Philippi East and Khayelitsha.

Commuters are among the victims of a feud between CATA and CODETA.

Police have closed the Somerset West taxi rank for 24 hours to prevent further violence.

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The Mobility Department will also approach the court for an urgent order against the taxi associations involved in a bid to quell the violence, intimidation, and unlawful operations.

Authorities will issue a Section 91 notice, which documents specific route infringements and serves as a formal warning that continued violations may result in the temporary or permanent closure of affected routes and or ranks.

Premier Alan Winde said the loss of life was unacceptable.

"Our Provincial Taxi Registrar will issue a Section 7A(20) enquiry notice, requiring the associations to explain why they have failed to comply with the industry's Code of Conduct."

Should they be unable to provide satisfactory reasons, the registrar may impose sanctions, including suspending operating licences.