Western Cape seeks court intervention over disputed taxi rights

The Western Cape Mobility Department is seeking urgent court intervention to clarify disputed taxi operating rights amid ongoing violence in Cape Town. A series of shootings between rival taxi associations since the 16 th of October has resulted in murders and attempted murders. Provincial and city mobility authorities have since met with industry representatives to discuss measures to restore stability. Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku says the department is also investigating alleged violations by identified taxi associations. Sileku has called on industry leaders to take responsibility and end the bloodshed, ensuring the safety of commuters. “We met with the taxi industry today because enough is enough. No dispute over routes or operating rights is worth a human life. Together with the city, we are strengthening law enforcement and pursuing legal action to restore stability. Our message to taxi leaders is clear: end the violence and take responsibility. Residents deserve to travel safely, without fear or disruption.” Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town says it will work alongside the South African Police Service to ensure commuters can travel safely to and from work, without being prevented from reaching their destinations by taxi-related violence. The city has also pledged its support for stricter law enforcement measures, to address the ongoing violence and restore stability in affected communities. Commissioner for the city’s Safety and Security Directorate, Johan Brandt, says, “We will ensure that people get to work and back safely because we can’t be sitting with a situation where our communities are prevented from getting to work and back. We fully support South African Police Service on its efforts and jointly we will address those issues.” -Report by Lerato Dlalisa & Yonda Magubudela