Another Taxi Boss Killed in Cape Town Amid Rising Violence
Taxi Owners and Drivers Living in Fear
Taxi owners and drivers in Cape Town are facing an escalating wave of violence, with many fearing for their lives. Unidentified gunmen continue to target individuals in the industry, raising concerns over the safety of those involved in public transport.
On the morning of Tuesday, 4 March, a 33-year-old taxi owner was gunned down near the Ramaphosa informal settlement in Philippi, Cape Town. The shooting took place along Govan Mbeki Road while the victim was parking his bakkie with a colleague nearby.
The deceased was a key figure in regulating taxi routes, ensuring that unauthorized vehicles did not pick up passengers. His death marks yet another fatal attack on those working within the volatile taxi industry.
Eyewitness Account of the Attack
A local resident described the harrowing incident to Daily Sun, stating that the victim regularly parked at the traffic lights, always wearing his reflective jacket.
“The gunmen came from between the shacks in the Ramaphosa informal settlement. At first, they appeared to be walking past, but then suddenly turned and fired multiple shots at him,” the witness recalled.
The victim’s colleague managed to escape but was nearly hit by a passing vehicle in the chaos.
Taxi Association Responds to the Killing
Nkululeko Sityebi, a spokesperson for the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA), confirmed that the victim was a member of their organization. He expressed shock over the brutal killing.
“We also heard that the assailants came from the shacks, fired at him, and disappeared again. We have no idea who is behind these attacks or why they are happening,” said Sityebi.
He added that violence in the taxi industry is spiraling out of control.
“No one knows who will be next. It’s terrifying because these killings seem to have no clear motive or pattern.”
Ongoing Taxi Violence in Cape Town
This incident is just one in a series of recent attacks targeting taxi operators.
On Friday, 28 February, a taxi owner was shot and killed at Site C taxi rank. Three passengers were injured in the crossfire.
Last month, a man was shot at Nyanga Taxi Rank, where police later recovered multiple firearms.
In February, another taxi driver was gunned down at a taxi rank in Strand.
The continued violence has created an atmosphere of fear among taxi operators, with many now constantly looking over their shoulders.
Police Investigation Underway
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.
“Nyanga police are investigating a murder case following the shooting on Tuesday, 4 March, at approximately 8:30 AM on Govan Mbeki Road in Browns Farm, Nyanga. A 33-year-old man was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and was declared deceased at the scene. Reports indicate that he was regulating taxis at the time,” Van Wyk stated.
Authorities have not ruled out a taxi-related motive and are actively pursuing leads to uncover the reason behind the attack.
As violence in the taxi industry continues, many are calling for increased police presence and intervention to curb the bloodshed.
