Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku says improving safety at the Bellville Public Transport Interchange remains a priority following an oversight visit to one of the province’s busiest transport hubs on Tuesday.
Sileku, accompanied by officials from the Western Cape Department of Mobility, SAPS, the City of Cape Town and transport stakeholders, received briefings on safety challenges and ongoing interventions at the interchange.
Speaking during the visit, Sileku said the level of law enforcement deployed at the interchange reflected the seriousness of the challenges.
“It cannot be that, in a democratic country, people must arrive at a public transport interchange and be surrounded by law enforcement just to feel safe. This is a public transport interchange. It is meant to take people to work and bring them home safely.
“It shows there are serious issues that we need to deal with, and we are going to deal with them.”
Department outlines response
Department of Mobility spokesperson Byron La Hoe said the department was working with the City of Cape Town, law enforcement and the public transport sector to improve commuter safety.
“The safety of public transport commuters is important to the Minister because he plays an oversight role. He is also committed to working with our partners in this space, including the City of Cape Town and the various public transport operators, such as the taxi industry, rail and bus services.”
La Hoe said the minister would receive a briefing from the Bellville Management Structure on measures already under way before the department considered further interventions.
He added that while the visit was not specifically focused on illegal traders or illegal transport operators, any information relating to illegal activity would be investigated through the department’s regulatory processes where necessary.
Taxi industry urged to help
Bellville police spokesperson Sergeant Charles Neelse said robberies, drug activity and other criminal behaviour around the interchange remained ongoing concerns.
“The taxi industry also has a responsibility to ensure that its customers are safe.”
Neelse urged taxi operators to play a more active role in monitoring activity around the ranks and helping create a safer environment for commuters.
The Department of Mobility said concerns identified during the oversight visit would be taken through the relevant government structures as efforts continue to improve safety and restore confidence in public transport.
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