Twenty-two killed in July as Western Cape taxi violence continues
Western Cape officials have said 22 taxi-related murders in the province were reported in July.
Three people were killed, and two others – including a five-month-old baby – were wounded in a shooting in Khayelitsha on Thursday.
This week, nine people died, and several others were wounded in parts of Cape Town.
There have been almost 80 murders since the start of the year.
On Friday Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula and MEC for transport, Daylin Mitchell met with Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and Congress for Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta).
Codeta, Cata, and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) spent Friday engaging with the provincial government to find a solution to the ongoing taxi violence.
Transport MEC Mitchell said it’s important that a solution is found because commuters cannot pay the price for internal conflict.
Michell said last week, Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, which enables him to close certain routes or ranks has been published and closed for comment on Friday.
“That is the last resort, but we are not willing to compromise on the lives of innocent people because we can’t find common ground.”
The transport minister said the taxi war must come to an end; adding that routes is one of the main issues of conflict.
“Our endeavor as the national government is to bring stability in terms of policy and regulating the industry and ensuring that these wars come to an end.”
Mitchell and Mbalula said once there is a way forward, they would be on the ground communicating to various taxi leaders in communities.
-EWN
In other news – Touching scenes: Skeem Saam actress Nokuzola Mlengana (Sis Ouma) died before her time
The funeral service of Skeem Saam actress Nokuzola Mlengana, who played Sis Ouma took place today. It was broadcast live on UCR FM Facebook page from 8 am.
Many of her fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry couldn’t bid farewell to her as funerals are allowed to have only 50 people. Only close friends and family were allowed to attend the funeral. Learn More
