Four people were killed and three others injured in a brazen early-morning shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank near Khayelitsha on the Cape Flats.
According to police spokesperson the circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, but authorities suspect it is linked to ongoing taxi violence in the region.
Chaos and Shock at the Scene
The atmosphere was described a tense as shocked community members gathered near the crime scene.
“Four bodies remain at the scene, while the injured have been transported to hospital,” August said. “This was a well-planned attack, executed with high-caliber firearms.”
Police have since increased security at the rank, deploying Public Order Policing units, Flying Squad officers, and traffic officials to monitor the area. A R100,000 reward has been offered for information leading to arrests.
Taxi Violence Suspected
Western Cape police confirmed that tensions between rival taxi associations—Codeta and Cata—may have sparked the violence. The dispute reportedly centers around route permissions and rank access in Somerset West.
“We believe this is taxi-related,” a senior police official stated. “Two suspects entered a container before the shooting, and we are pursuing leads.”
Despite a satellite police station located just meters from the taxi rank, authorities admitted they were unable to prevent the attack.
Ongoing Concerns Over Taxi Violence
This shooting is the latest in a string of violent incidents plaguing Cape Town’s taxi industry. Just weeks ago, 18 suspects were arrested in Nyanga following a similar attack, with 20 firearms confiscated.
Police have vowed 24-hour surveillance at the Mfuleni rank to prevent further bloodshed. However, community members remain fearful as clashes between rival groups continue.
Appeal for Calm
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will ensure commuter safety,” police assured.
As the investigation unfolds, the death toll serves as a grim reminder of the persistent violence in Cape Town’s taxi wars.
Updates to follow.