Minister Grant condemns the killing of two taxi drivers in Delft

Statement by Donald Grant, Minister of Transport and Public Works

I strongly condemn the killing of two taxi drivers in Delft this morning. The incident is suspected to be related to ongoing tensions that have existed between taxi operators in the Delft area over a number of years and which have worsened recently.

I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the two drivers whose lives were so brutally taken from them.

The South African Police Service are currently investigating circumstances surrounding the killing. My department will be assisting the SAPS in their investigation. These acts of criminality must be condemned by us all, and effectively investigated by the SAPS to ensure that these criminals are brought to justice.

At the request of SANTACO Western Cape President, Mr Vernon Billet, I will this afternoon meet with the leadership of the associations operating out of Delft, to address the issues surrounding the ongoing conflict. Resorting to violence in any dispute is entirely unacceptable, and I expect the leadership to be strident in making this very clear to their membership. This Committee includes SAPS.

I have also convened a meeting of the Transport Priority Committee for early on Monday morning to further advise law enforcement on the underlying issues that we believe have resulted in violence in the Delft area.

As always, the safety of commuters is of the upmost concern to us, and we will continue to work closely with the leadership of the minibus taxi industry in the Western Cape to ensure the provision of safe and reliable public transport for the many commuters who rely on it for their daily activities.