SANTACO condemns deadly Delft taxi violence

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) strongly condemned a surge in taxi-related violence in Cape Town.

The latest violence included two fatal shootings in Delft. 

A rank manager and a woman were shot dead near the Palm Taxi Rank on Monday evening, just days after a shooting at the Voorbrug Taxi Rank resulted in three deaths.

SANTACO spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana said violence could not be allowed to define the taxi industry. 

He said the organisation was trying to do its part by strengthening its Taxi Peace Ambassador Programme, with 32 ambassadors appointed across the Western Cape.

"The ambassadors will play a monitoring role on the ground, identifying potential flashpoints early and helping to prevent disputes from escalating through mediation and dialogue. The programme does not replace leadership or law enforcement, but supports conflict prevention efforts," said Tumana.

It has called on industry leadership, operators, law enforcement, and the public to work together towards peace.