In brief
Cape Town’s minibus taxi sector suffered a series of shootings that killed five men and wounded four more, nearly halting airport operations and threatening local elections. Parliament condemned the violence, called for law‑enforcement presence, and urged national taxi bodies to act swiftly. The incident follows a broader wave of taxi‑related unrest across the Cape Flats region.
On Saturday, South Africa’s Parliament issued a statement condemning a series of minibus taxi shootings that unfolded on Thursday morning in Cape Town, Western Cape.
Chairperson Donald Selamolela of the Portfolio Committee on Transport expressed the nation’s deep condolences for the victims’ families and warned that the violence came at a critical time when the government is heavily investing in public transport, adding, “We condemn the criminality and violence that accompanies this outbreak and we call on law enforcement to ensure and maintain visibility until calm has been restored.”
Three separate shootings across Cape Town resulted in five men’s deaths and four injuries. One fatal shooting was reported at the Delft taxi rank, a central hub for local operators. Local media confirmed the attacks occurred in areas that have seen heightened tension in recent weeks, including Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Epping, and Bonteheuwel, all within the Cape Flats region.
Parliament warned that the violence could jeopardize the upcoming local elections scheduled for the following week, stressing the need for security to protect voters’ freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, disruptions extended beyond the streets to Cape Town International Airport. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) reported significant staffing shortfalls that led to longer passenger processing times and flight delays on Friday.
According to ACSA’s Friday statement, a total of 60 flight delays had been recorded by 13:00, comprising 44 domestic departures, 11 international departures, and five arrivals. The average delay was approximately 60 minutes, although no flights were cancelled.
In addition to parliamentary condemnation, the Western Cape High Court granted an interim interdict against two taxi operators. The court’s decision aims to curb further violence and restore order in the affected areas.
The incident constitutes part of a sustained wave of taxi‑related violence across the metro, an issue that has been identified by both local authorities and community groups as a serious threat to public safety and city stability.
South Africa’s Parliament’s call for immediate and visible law‑enforcement presence, coupled with the court’s legal intervention, reflects an urgent strategy to address the crisis. These measures aim to ensure that the minibus taxi industry can continue operating while safeguarding the community’s well‑being and the integrity of the democratic process.
