WC taxi violence: Mobility MEC concerned a culprit has been fingered

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the government is considering possible interventions in the ongoing internal conflict within the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA).

On Monday morning, taxi operations were brought to a standstill during peak hour.

This, as operators marched to the Nyanga Police Station, demanding decisive action against a fellow member accused of extortion and violence.

Members from CATA’s Nyanga/Seawater association allege the individual has been forcing operators to pay money for his personal gain.

He is also accused of being linked to the killings of several CATA taxi bosses, including women and drivers, in recent months.

ALSO READ | Taxi violence: CATA calls for surveillance cameras to be installed at Nyanga taxi rank

According to CATA, at least 16 of its members have been shot and killed over the past five years, with some of the attacks taking place at the Nyanga taxi rank.

Sileku said it's deeply concerning that the alleged perpetrator has been known within the association for some time.

"There's a name that has been mentioned, and everybody is saying the Seawater association. So, from the side of the registrar, they need to call him into the hearing so that we can ascertain what is currently taking place, and after we have listened to everything.

“Then we need to apply our minds; is there going to be any sanctions or is there going to be any reprimand, and that's what we are currently looking at from the side of Mobility?"

Meanwhile, some operators said they feel as though they are being held hostage by a single rogue member.

ALSO READ:

Nyanga taxi conflict: WC Mobility MEC calls for police intervention

CATA alleges one of its own members behind attacks on taxi drivers

Taxi operators affiliated with CATA protest ongoing violence within association