NATIONAL NEWS - The Western Cape Government strongly condemns the violence that has unfolded over the past two days in incidents linked to the taxi industry.
Yesterday, several people were shot and killed in Philippi East and Khayelitsha, and this morning another fatal shooting occurred in Macassar.
These attacks are deeply disturbing and have no place in our communities.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku and Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety Minister Anroux Marais have expressed their deep concern and condemn these incidents.
The Ministers have called for calm and extend their heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by this senseless violence.
Minister Marais stated, “I condemn these brutal taxi-related attacks in Philippi East, Khayelitsha and Macassar in the strongest possible terms. Such acts of terror have no place in our communities and only serve to spread fear, instability, and suffering among innocent residents.
"The perpetrators of these heinous crimes must be brought to book. I urge anyone with information to come forward and assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in their investigations. Your cooperation could be the key to holding those responsible to account and restoring peace.”
Minister Sileku added that the Western Cape Government will not tolerate the collapse of peace efforts in the taxi industry, “The safety of commuters, operators, and the broader public is non-negotiable. At the recent Taxi Peace Summit, SANTACO Western Cape and its eight regional structures committed to prioritising peace, stability, and the safety of commuters.
"The current escalation of tensions between CATA and CODETA, the two largest taxi groupings in this province, and the violence that followed, shows that some in the industry are acting in bad faith and undermining the commitments they made to government and to the people of the Western Cape.
"This violence is nothing less than an attack on innocent commuters, and those who choose conflict over peace will face the full force of the law.”
Minister Sileku further noted that he is currently exploring additional steps available within the regulatory framework to strengthen stability in the taxi industry and ensure accountability from operators and associations.
All relevant authorities will remain on high alert across affected areas to prevent further incidents.
The Western Cape Government urges members of the public and the taxi industry alike to report any threats, intimidation, or criminal activity directly to law enforcement agencies.
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