CAPE TOWN – Nyanga police have registered an enquiry docket after nine taxis were set alight at the Nyanga Terminus Taxi Rank early on Friday 6 March.
Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk said the incident occurred at about 01:30.
“Early on Friday morning, at about 01:30, Nyanga officers were patrolling along Terminus Road when they noticed smoke coming from the taxi rank. They immediately went to investigate and found nine taxis alight (five Sprinters and four Quantums),” said Van Wyk.
He added that no injuries were reported.
Motive unknown
CATA spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi confirmed the incident and said the motive behind the fire was still unknown.
“We are shocked and saddened by the incident. We do not want to speculate about the cause of it. We have handed the matter over to the officers to investigate,” said Sityebi.
He added that the association felt sorry for the taxi owners who had lost their vehicles in the fire.
Ward councillor calls for calm
Ward 37 councillor Sandile Martin described the incident as concerning, saying its repercussions could affect innocent people.
“We are appealing to the taxi owners to remain calm and approach this matter with cool heads. We know it is not easy, but they need to sit down and resolve whatever differences they may have amicably,” said Martin.
He also urged police not to leave any stone unturned in their investigation.
