Authorities are warning residents, commuters and road users to avoid the Somerset West Taxi Rank and surrounding areas as a result of an ongoing stand-off between two local taxi associations, reports Cape {town} Etc.
On Monday morning, a group of taxis reportedly blocked most of the routes in the vicinity of the Public Transport Interchange (PTI), effectively shutting down the local taxi rank as violent tensions between members of CATA and CODETA taxi associations continued to rise.
All entrances to the Somerset West Taxi Rank were subsequently closed off, and several police officers were deployed to monitor the volatile scene.
In addition to an increased police presence, the City of Cape Town confirmed that it has increased its staffing numbers in Somerset West in an effort to maintain calm amid the rising tensions.
‘We have deployed more officers across the various departments amid the rising tension between the two biggest taxi organisations. Our priority if to keep commuters safe and assist the South African Police Service in maintaining order,’ said City’s MMC for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith.
‘Road users and commuters are advised to take note of road closures and avoid the area where possible.’
According community Facebook group Helderberg Crime Watch, the Victoria Road underpass has been re-opened after both directions was closed this morning.
However, Andries Pretorius, from Victoria until Lourens Street remains closed as well as De Beers Road at the N2, while traffic is being rerouted via Reits Street.
‘We are hopeful that the issues can be resolved amicably, and that no further harm comes to anyone. That said, our staff will not hesitate to act if need be, to ensure public safety,’ Smith added.
Representatives from the two rival taxi associations are expected to meet on Monday afternoon to discuss ways to quell the escalating violence, reported News24.
The confrontation follows shortly after an 8-year-old boy was wounded by a stray bullet when a taxi owner was gunned down while driving along Vulindlela Street in Lwandle, Strand, on Saturday night.
The boy was subsequently taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
On Friday morning, 6 June, seven people, including a commuter, were shot, leaving four dead and three injured when a violent confrontation erupted between the two associations at Mfuleni taxi rank.
According to police reports, gunmen stormed the CODETA office and opened fire on the victims.
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Santaco Western Cape condemns deadly shooting at Mfuleni taxi rank
Picture: @Wessie1963 / X
