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Cape Town taxi route dispute raises election safety fears

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

A deadly dispute between rival taxi associations has caused several shootings in Cape Town. The Western Cape High Court granted an interim interdict against two associations and their members last week, amid fears of transport disruption and voter intimidation.

The interdict applies to the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA), the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA) and their members. The violence has hit parts of Cape Town, including Khayelitsha.

Mawande Jara, chairperson of the Khayelitsha Development Forum, said violence went on for two days in affected communities. He said residents fear to take or use any form of transport.

Jara welcomed the court order. He said: "We are grateful for the High Court decision to ensure that there is stability and calm in our communities".

Key facts

Who
Mawande Jara (Khayelitsha Development Forum Chairperson); Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (taxi association subject to interim interdict); Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (taxi association subject to interim interdict); Western Cape High Court (granted interim interdict)
What
A deadly dispute over taxi routes between rival associations has caused several shootings in Cape Town, prompting fears of transport disruptions and voter intimidation. The Western Cape High Court last week granted an interim interdict against CATA, CODETA and their members.
When
2 November 2026
Where
Cape Town, Western Cape, Khayelitsha
Status
Reported

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