Taxi murders: Minister Madikizela meets taxi industry to resolve impasse

Media Release by Bonginkosi Madikizela, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works

I met with the leadership of the taxi industry this afternoon to resolve the ongoing taxi related murders that have flared up in the Western Cape.

Six taxi related murders have been recorded since Friday. Three taxi drivers were killed in Philippi East on Friday and two drivers and an assistant were gunned down in Nyanga this morning.

It is not yet clear what is behind the recent killings. However, the issues of operating licences and route invasions have been identified as the main causes behind the taxi conflict.

Since January 2020, there have been 40 taxi related murders and 20 cases of attempted murders. These include cases in Paarl, Delft, Bellville, Bloekombos, Ceres, Masiphumelele and Nyanga. These cases involve either CATA and/or CODETA and affiliated associations.

These murders are condemned in the strongest possible terms. I call on the South African Police Services to bring the perpetrators and their paymasters to book as soon as possible.

The leadership of the taxi industry must assist the authorities to ensure that the rule of law is respected by their members and that the few rotten apples are exposed and brought to justice.

The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works will assist the SAPS with any information that they may require in their investigations. We need a stable and safe taxi industry for the sake of our commuters.

I am confident that the team of detectives are closing in on the masterminds and paymasters.