SANTACO condemns arson attack at Nyanga taxi rank

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has strongly condemned a recent arson attack at the Nyanga taxi rank in Cape Town. The incident, which took place on Sunday night, saw at least 16 minibus taxis set ablaze, causing significant damage and escalating ongoing tensions in the area.

Despite the destruction, the taxi rank remains operational, allowing commuters to continue using the facility. However, police presence has been intensified to prevent further unrest.

SANTACO Western Cape has responded to the attack by calling for an urgent meeting with the executive of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA), one of the major taxi associations in the province. The organization hopes to address the escalating violence and find a way to restore stability in the embattled area.

Police Deploy Extra Forces to Restore Order

Western Cape police have launched an investigation into the arson attack, with additional officers deployed to the Nyanga taxi rank to maintain order and ensure commuter safety.

Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa confirmed the details of the attack and emphasized that law enforcement agencies are taking the matter seriously.

“Western Cape police are investigating a case of arson after a number of minibus taxis were set alight at the Nyanga taxi rank. The incident prompted the deployment of additional forces to the area to restore calm. In total, 16 minibus taxis were damaged.”

Authorities are working to establish the motive behind the attack, with speculation rife that the incident could be linked to ongoing taxi feuds in the province. Taxi violence has been an ongoing issue in the Western Cape, with rival groups often clashing over routes, competition, and control of the transport sector.

Recurring Violence at Nyanga Taxi Rank

Sunday night’s arson attack is not the first violent incident at the Nyanga taxi rank. In January 2024, a deadly shooting broke out at the same location, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

Following the January attack, police arrested 18 suspects linked to the violence. The incident was believed to have stemmed from territorial disputes between rival taxi associations.

The Nyanga taxi rank has gained a reputation for being a high-risk area due to frequent outbreaks of violence, often putting commuters, drivers, and taxi operators at risk. Many have called on the government and law enforcement agencies to intervene more decisively to curb the ongoing attacks.

SANTACO Calls for Urgent Action

SANTACO Western Cape is determined to address the crisis. The council has emphasized the need for immediate intervention and dialogue between taxi associations to prevent further violence.

The proposed meeting with CATA is expected to focus on:

• Addressing the causes of taxi violence
• Strengthening security measures at taxi ranks
• Ensuring the safety of commuters and operators
• Holding perpetrators accountable for their actions

SANTACO has urged all parties involved to prioritize peace and stability, warning that continued violence will only harm the taxi industry and disrupt the livelihoods of drivers and commuters alike.

Commuters Express Concern Over Safety

Many daily commuters who rely on the Nyanga taxi rank for transport have expressed fear and frustration over the ongoing violence.

One commuter, Nomsa Mthembu, said:

“Every day, we use taxis to get to work, but now we don’t even feel safe at the rank. We are afraid that another attack could happen at any time.”

Another passenger, Sibusiso Ndlela, added:

“Taxi violence affects all of us. People lose their lives, cars are burnt, and in the end, the ordinary commuter suffers. The government needs to do something before more people get hurt.”

Government Response and Next Steps

The Western Cape government has pledged to work closely with law enforcement agencies to combat taxi-related violence. Measures being considered include:

• Enhanced police visibility at high-risk taxi ranks
• Stronger law enforcement action against perpetrators of violence
• Mediation efforts between taxi associations to reduce disputes
• Stricter regulations to curb illegal taxi operations

While investigations into Sunday’s attack continue, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist police in identifying those responsible for the arson.

With tensions running high in Cape Town’s transport sector, the hope is that swift intervention and peaceful negotiations can bring an end to the ongoing cycle of violence.