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Western Cape police vow to end Cape Town taxi violence

Published

Police and City of Cape Town officials met on Thursday to strengthen their response after at least a dozen people died in three weeks. Four people have been arrested, and the Delft Palms taxi rank stays closed under heavy guard.

Soldiers from the South African National Defence Force are deployed at the Delft Palms taxi rank. Two men were shot dead there last Thursday. On Wednesday, two people were wounded in another shooting.

Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Sizakhele Dyantyi said those stirring the violence will be dealt with harshly. Police said those responsible for the killings will face the full force of the law.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said affected taxi ranks and routes could face further closures if the bloodshed continues. The violence involves a dispute between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association. Areas affected include Delft, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Epping and Bonteheuwel.

Key facts

Who
Sizakhele Dyantyi (Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner); Isaac Sileku (Mobility MEC); Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (taxi association in dispute); Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (taxi association in dispute)
What
Western Cape police warned that those responsible for taxi-related killings in Cape Town will face the full force of the law, as police and City of Cape Town officials met on Thursday to strengthen their response. Four people have been arrested, and the Delft Palms taxi rank remains closed under heavy police guard with SANDF members deployed.
When
29 October 2026
Where
Cape Town, Delft, Gugulethu
Status
Reported

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