Update:
Ward 71 councillor Carolynne Franklin confirmed the possibility of rolling road closures in the Tokai area following an alleged standoff between taxi drivers and the South African Police Service yesterday afternoon.
‘Most of us will be aware of the attempted taxi route takeover that is affecting Tokai, Main, and Steenberg roads,’ she posted on the Ward 71 News Facebook page.
‘This is a Cata vs Codeta issue that may have impacts on our surrounding suburbs, as well as on those who travel the routes daily.’
Franklin says all emergency services, security service providers (SSP) and neighbourhood watch groups are on standby for priority response.
In case of any flashpoints, contact:
- Your SSP
- Community Violence Intervention Centre, 086 000 2669
- City emergency 021 480 7700
- SAPS 10111
Picture: Ward 71 News / Facebook
Western Cape police set up a blockade at the traffic circle on Tokai Road, between Steenberg Road and Orpen Road, on Thursday afternoon following reports of taxi groups gathering on the road adjacent to the Bootlegger Coffee Company.
Also read: Cape Town Metro Police wrap up another busy weekend in the Mother City
Police officers at the scene said the blockade was due to taxi violence that occurred at around 2:30pm. When Cape {town} Etc asked them to elaborate, they said, ‘a possible shootout is still to be confirmed’.
According to the officers, the incident arose due to growing conflict between taxi drivers from Codeta and Cata.
A daily commuter told Cape {town} Etc that tension between the two organisations has been mounting over the past two weeks.
There is speculation that Codeta taxis are picking up passengers from Cata territory.
The blockade has since been cleared.
This comes after a recent spate of taxi-related shooting incidents that resulted in the deaths of at least eight taxi drivers, three taxi owners and a commuter since January.
Also read:
Taxi violence death toll rises to 12, still no idea who is behind it
Picture: Supplied