Lawlessness at Bellville Taxi Rank Will Not Be Tolerated

Statement by Robin Carlisle, Minister of Transport and Public Works

Following several days of lawless behaviour and threats of violence, I met with officials from the South African Police services (SAPS), City of Cape Town’s Metro Police, as well as Provincial officials (including Provincial Traffic Services) on 5 March 2013, to decide on urgent and necessary measures to be taken to curb the increasingly lawless situation at the rank.

Unlawful actions which occurred at the Bellville Public Transport Interchange:

• Taxis were forcibly removed from the ranks.
• Shots were fired.
• Several threats were made.
• An official of the Provincial Regulating Entity was intimidated and assaulted.

Criminal charges have been laid in all these matters.

The incidents involved members of three taxi associations:

1. Durbanville Taxi Association.
2. Bellville Taxi Association.
3. Bloekombos/Wallacedene Taxi Association.

Law enforcement will, with immediate effect, increase their operations in the area to counter any unlawful actions and curb any further threats of violence.

At the same time, the Provincial Regulating Entity will suspend all transactions in respect of the three associations listed above.

These actions follow a long period of intense engagement with the taxi associations referred to.

Further action will be taken as required.