Taxi violence: Mitchell closes route that is ‘the main cause of conflict’ for two months

The MEC of Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape, Daylin Mitchell, announced the closure of Taxi Route B97 between Mbekweni, Paarl and Bellville for a period of two months on Friday, 23 July.

 The route in question is the main cause of the conflict between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and Congress for Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA). Mitchell warned that he would close certain routes and taxi ranks if the parties could not find a lasting resolution to their dispute.

TAXI ROUTE BETWEEN BELLVILLE AND PAARL TO CLOSE ON 26 JULY

Mitchell said he decided to close Route 97, as it is currently the main cause of the taxi violence experienced in Cape Town as both CATA and CODETA claim they have the right to operate on the route.

“Despite ongoing attempts to assist the two associations to find a lasting solution, they have yet to do so,” said the MEC.

The closure will come into effect on Monday, 26 July and will remain in place for a period of two months.

“[A]ll routes and ranks, including lanes and long distance route facilities situated at the Bellville Public Transport Interchange are closed for the operation of any minibus taxi-type service for a period of two months commencing on 26 July 2021,” said Mitchell, citing section 91(2)(a) of the National Land Transport Act of 2009.

Mitchell said any licenses or permits that authorise minibus-type services on the closed route – or a closed rank – are suspended for the duration of the closure period.

Any current minibus taxi driver that ignores the closure, commits an offence, and may be imprisoned for no more than six months or be slapped with a R5000 fine.

Interestingly, the MEC said section 91(6) of the Act allows a temporary permit to be issued to drivers of motor vehicles, minibus taxis or buses that would allow them to operate a bus service on the closed route – or rank – during the closure period.

‘WE CAN NO LONGER BE HELD HOSTAGE’

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and National Transport Head Fikile Mbalula have both requested for the military to help support the police in their efforts to combat taxi violence while law enforcement visibility in hotspots has drastically increased, according to the province.

Mitchell said there has been no further incidents of taxi-related violence because of these efforts. Since the beginning of 2021, at least 81 people have been killed in shootings related to the industry. At the peak of the crisis in Cape Town last week, Groote Schuur Hospital treated 10 people for gunshot wounds, according to News24.

Golden Arrow Bus Drivers operating along disputed areas have also been the victim of such shootings. This week, a driver was shot through the mouth on the N2 near Borcherds Quarry – his fellow drivers refused to get behind the wheel out of fear for their safety and thousands of commuters were left stranded at the Cape Town bus terminal on Monday.

The bus service has slowly been resuming its normal services as the violence abated and according to Mitchell 95 percent of its 1000 buses are operating as of Friday, 23 July.

“We can no longer be held hostage by a criminal few who continue to undermine the interests of many law-abiding taxi drivers, and who threaten both the lives and livelihoods of our residents,” said Mitchell.

“I have sworn an oath to act in the best interests of our people, and will continue to do so, using every mechanism available to me.”

The Transport Department will continue its efforts to help CATA and CODETA find an agreement by providing the venue and independent mediators.

Mitchell said he would address commuters affected by the route closure over the weekend.