Western Cape Government Secures Court Interdict to End Taxi Violence, SA Shares Mixed Reactions

• The Western Cape government has approached the courts in a bid to end taxi violence in the province
• Tensions between two rival taxi associations have led to five people being killed in three shootings over two days
• South Africans took to social media to share their thoughts on the government's plans to deal with the violence
• A user of public transport spoke to Briefly News about why many people were reliant on taxis in the city

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

WESTERN CAPE – The Western Cape government is clamping down on rising taxi violence in the province.

The provincial government has approached the courts and has been granted an interdict to enforce measures to ensure it puts an end to taxi-related shootings.

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Three shootings in the space of two days have left at least five people dead and nine injured. It's not the first incident where people have been killed at a taxi rank in the province either.

What does the interdict allow the government to do?

On Friday, 29 August 2025, the government was granted an interdict that will remain in effect until 9 October 2025. The court will then consider making it permanent.

The interdict prohibits threats, intimidation, and interference with transport services on key routes and at taxi ranks and gives the authorities legal power to restore stability and ensure commuters are protected.

Operators are required to follow the rules of the interdict, stop their unlawful behaviour, and report back to the court within three days.

Taxi associations face deregistration

Western Cape Mobility Member of the Executive Committee (MEC), Isaac Sileku, has warned that taxi associations could face deregistration or have their operating permits suspended if taxi violence continued.

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The recent violence stems from tensions between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA). It’s understood that the attacks are over the taxi route from Mfuleni and Khayelitsha to Somerset West.

Sileku said the government would not tolerate the violence, which was used to settle disputes, stating how important the industry was for many residents.

"For millions of workers, students, women, and children, it is not just transport, it is a lifeline. That lifeline cannot be allowed to become a death trap. The Western Cape government is resolute; the safety of communities is non-negotiable," he said.

Carrie Pillay, a resident of Milnerton, who uses public transport, told Briefly News that a lot of people were reliant on taxis because of the convenience and affordability.

“I think that many residents don’t have another option, because taxis are cheaper and cover all routes. Buses are more expensive, and don’t go to specific locations like a taxi, which stops anywhere, would,” she said.

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How did South Africans react?

While many social media users welcomed the news, others questioned why a court interdict was needed to stop a crime.

Khomotso D Maake asked:

“Does crime ever require an interdict? Crime needs Mkhwanazi.”

Mabuza Mshengu Shabalala questioned:

“Was the violence a lawful act? What purpose will the interdict serve?”

Winifred Malyon stated:

“Taxi bosses are gangsters. They are also related to the gang war also.”

Krish Mohanlal said:

“These taxi mafias had it free for all for a very long time. Time has expired.”

Sandra Cunningham added:

“This should apply to the whole country, as the violence is everywhere with taxis. The Cape should not be the exception.”

Anne King suggested:

“Shut them down if you have to, and they must bring a matric certificate because the thinking capacity is that of Grade 4s.

Always The Taxis said:

“This won't stop anything. These people don't care about what the court says. They will still kill each other and innocent people.”

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Shootings spark concerns about learner safety

Briefly News reported that the Western Cape Education Department was concerned by the recent spate of shootings in the province.

The department noted that there were concerns about learner safety, as tensions led to taxi violence in recent days.

South Africans called on the government and President Cyril Ramaphosa to do more about the shooting incidents.

SANTACO dismisses Gauteng shutdown claims as Ekurhuleni strike leaves commuters stranded

Meanwhile Briefly News reported that the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) said that its members' strike is limited only to Ekurhuleni. In a statement, the body said that there will be no provincial shutdown but confirmed the Ekurhuleni strike, which it says was caused by the impounding of taxis.

Source: Briefly News