SANTACO accepts route closures as taxi violence claims six lives in Western Cape

By Simon Nare

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape has accepted the provincial government’s decision to close selected taxi routes in Cape Town following ongoing violence between rival associations.

The council said it remained hopeful that through continued dialogue with government and other stakeholders, peace and stability would soon be restored.

The provincial government invoked Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act on Wednesday after clashes since August 23 claimed six lives, including an off-duty police officer and a taxi operator.

The affected routes — Mfuleni–Somerset West, Lwandile–Khayelitsha via Somerset West, and Khayelitsha–Somerset West — will remain closed for 30 days. Specific lanes at taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo and Lwandile will also be shut for the same period.

Police and provincial traffic officers will monitor the affected areas to enforce the closure.

SANTACO said it was saddened by the