CATA taxi drivers say recent taxi violence has taken food out of their family’s mouths

CAPE TOWN - Minibus taxi drivers from taxi association CATA at the Somerset West taxi rank said the recent taxi violence has not only brought grief to many families but has also taken food out of their family's mouths.
 
At least five fatalities, including four taxi operators and a passenger, were reported in Philippi East, Khayelitsha, and Macassar this week.

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A June feud over taxi routes from Mfuleni and Khayelitsha to Somerset West is suspected to be behind the recent flare up of violence.
 
On Tuesday, the Somerset West taxi rank was shut down by police for 24 hours to prevent further conflict.
 
Abongile Nqweliso said commuters have also been badly affected by the unrest.
 
"Many people were unable to go to work because we had to leave our taxis at the rank during the shutdown. We also lost a lot of money because these taxis we use for staff transportation as well, now we had to pay other people to transport our clients." 
 
Ntsikelelo Moshani said even the taxi owners are feeling the brunt.
 
"The owners of these taxis must still pay instalments at the end of the month, and we also depend on these taxis to feed our families."