In a decisive move to protect the safety of thousands of daily taxi commuters, the Western Cape High Court granted the Western Cape Mobility Department an urgent interdict on Thursday 28 August.
The court order will allow the department to implement immediate safety measures in response to escalating mini-bus taxi violence across Somerset West, Nomzamo, Lwandle and Mfuleni.The legal action follows a series of violent incidents and killings linked to escalating tensions between minibus taxi associations operating in these areas. The conflict centres on a deadly feud between rival taxi associations Cata and Codeta over lucrative routes between Somerset West, Mfuleni and Khayelitsha.
The situation reached a bloody climax when taxi violence erupted across the Helderberg on Tuesday 26 August, claiming two lives and injuring three others in separate shootings (“Taxi turmoil: Two killed, three wounded in Helderberg shootings,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 26 August). The shootings are believed to be directly linked to the ongoing dispute.
The severity of Tuesday’s incidents prompted drastic intervention by authorities, including the temporary closure of the Somerset West Public Transport Interchange to address the escalating conflict (“Taxi troubles: Commuters stranded as police close taxi rank after fatal shootings”, 27 August). This left hundreds of commuters stranded and resulted in the urgent need for legal intervention.
‘SAFETY NOT NEGOTIABLE’
Western Cape premier Alan Winde welcomed the urgent interdict, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and calling for peaceful resolution. “While it was an act of last resort, [the interdict] is an important step towards stabilising the current situation. But more critically, we urge these taxi associations to return to negotiations to meaningfully engage and find a lasting solution. They must always put their commuters’ interests first. This is a non-negotiable,” he stressed.
The comprehensive court order addresses multiple aspects of the conflict. It specifically prohibits members of the affected taxi associations and its affliates from interfering with transport services at the Somerset West taxi rank, Somerset West Mall, and on four key routes: Route 611 (Khayelitsha to Somerset West), Route 43 (Lwandle to Khayelitsha), Route M18 (Mfuleni to Somerset West), and Route X19 (Nomzamo to Mfuleni).
COMPLIANCE ENCOURAGED
Additionally, the interdict bans threats, intimidation or interference with other minibus taxi operators or their drivers, requires minibus taxi associations to follow the rules of their existing operating licenses, and directs them to act immediately to stop unlawful behaviour. The associations must report back to the court within three days on the steps they have taken to comply.
The order will remain in force until Thursday 9 October, when the court will decide whether to make it permanent.
Said Isaac Sileku, provincial minister of Mobility: “Violence and lawlessness cannot be allowed to endanger the lives of commuters, operators, and our residents. This court order gives us the legal authority to act decisively to protect our communities and restore stability in the affected areas. Every commuter has the right to travel without fear, and we will work closely with law-enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance with the order.”
The Western Cape government further urged all mini-bus taxi operators to comply with the court order.
