Police in the Western Cape are on high alert following the Western Cape MEC for Transport and Public Works, Mr Daylin Mitchell’s announcement that route B97 between Mbekweni and Bellville will be closed as of Monday, July 26.
Mitchell was forced to close the route as members belonging to the CATA and CODETA taxi associations could not agree on terms regarding this route. More than 70 people have been killed in taxi-related shootings since the beginning of the year.
According to a statement by SAPS, in anticipation of planned or spontaneous attacks and threats, the Western Cape ProvJoints has embarked on a series of operational planning meetings to counter any illicit activity.
” The SAPS visible policing contingent will also be on the ground at taxi hubs, highways and major routes. Detectives will also be on hand to investigate cases opened,” the statement said.
The City of Cape Town’s security and security metro police, law enforcement and traffic services will also be on standby to be deployed strategically as force multipliers at identified hotspots.
Meanwhile, intelligence operatives have been hard at work for some time trying to deal with the threat at hand. In addition, the recently-deployed SANDF members will be deployed in high-risk areas to augment police deployments. Where necessary air support will be summoned.
Golden Arrow Bus Services indicated that it will deploy more busses following the closure of the Bellville to Paarl taxi route.
Commuters are urged to report threats and attacks to the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or contact the City of Cape Town’s 021 4887700 number.
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Golden Arrow to deploy more busses following the closure of some taxi routes
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