CAPE TOWN Browns Farm- Gun violence linked to the ongoing taxi war in the Western Cape has claimed yet another life. A 61-year-old man was shot and killed in Browns Farm on Tuesday morning, adding to a growing list of fatalities in what authorities are calling a crisis gripping the province’s public transport sector.
The victim, believed to be affiliated with the taxi industry, was gunned down in Dlephu Street, Browns Farm, by unknown assailants. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), detectives were still combing the crime scene hours later, searching for evidence that could lead to arrests.
“Information at our disposal suggests that unknown gunmen opened fire at the deceased and fled the scene,” said police spokesperson Joseph Swaartbooi. “The victim was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is believed to be taxi related. Nyanga police have registered a murder case for further investigation.”
Another Man Shot & Killed in Browns Farm as Taxi Route Violence Spirals Out of Control
The man shot & killed in Browns Farm is the latest casualty in a wave of violence that has rocked Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, and Somerset West, where multiple taxi operators and commuters have been killed or injured over recent weeks. The violence is believed to stem from ongoing disputes between rival taxi associations over route access and territory control.
In an attempt to curb the bloodshed, Western Cape authorities have announced that some taxi routes in the affected areas will be shut down for 30 days, beginning Wednesday. The decision comes after weeks of escalating tensions, ambush-style shootings, and the targeting of key figures within the industry.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku is expected to meet urgently with leaders of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA). The aim is to de-escalate the deadly rivalry that has paralyzed large portions of the province’s commuter network.
“The continued killings, especially of individuals like the man shot & killed in Browns Farm, are unacceptable,” said a spokesperson from the provincial Mobility Department. “We are calling on all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and the safety of passengers above all else.”
The provincial government’s move to shut down certain routes follows similar action taken in previous years during flare-ups between the same associations. However, critics argue that temporary shutdowns only delay violence rather than address its root causes.
Residents of Browns Farm and surrounding areas say they are living in fear. Tuesday’s shooting took place in broad daylight, with eyewitnesses reporting multiple gunshots that sent bystanders running for cover.
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, described the scene:
“We heard shots and then saw a man lying in the street. People are scared. This is happening too often now. We don’t know who the next target will be.”
Local schools and businesses in Browns Farm have also felt the impact, with some choosing to close early due to safety concerns. Parents are increasingly hesitant to send their children to school or allow them to use taxis for transport.
The taxi industry in Cape Town is a lifeline for millions of commuters, but the recent surge in violence is threatening its very foundation. Commuters now face the dual risks of being caught in the crossfire or being stranded due to route closures.
Transport analyst Mandla Mjoli says the latest incident, including the man shot & killed in Browns Farm, underscores a longstanding issue:
“Until we have a fully regulated, accountable, and professional taxi industry with clear boundaries and conflict resolution mechanisms, we’re going to continue seeing these killings.”
As police continue to investigate the murder in Browns Farm, no arrests have been made yet. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Nyanga police station has been assigned to lead the inquiry, given the location’s history of gang and taxi-related violence.
Authorities have also increased patrols in the area, though residents remain skeptical of how effective these measures will be in preventing future attacks.
The man shot & killed in Browns Farm is more than just another statistic. His death serves as a stark reminder of how deeply entrenched the violence is in communities affected by taxi-related conflicts.
For residents, the streets of Browns Farm have become a dangerous battleground. For authorities, the challenge remains how to secure peace in an industry plagued by turf wars, lawlessness, and an ever-rising death toll.
Source- EWN
