CAPE TOWN - Fewer commuters made their way to Cape Town’s taxi ranks on Monday amid fears for their safety, as deadly clashes between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA) continue.
The violence, linked to disputed routes in Delft, Langa and Epping, has claimed 12 lives following a month-long escalation between the rival associations.
Western Cape Police Commissioner Sizakhele Dyantyi has warned taxi operators that ranks could be shut down if the violence continues.
READ: Taxi violence disrupts Cape Town International Airport operations
The clashes also disrupted operations at Cape Town International Airport on Friday, after staffing shortages resulted in long queues at security screening points.
The airport’s acting regional manager, Malcolm Koopman, said at least 50% of staff were unable to get to work that day.
On Monday, Western Cape Transport MEC Isaac Sileku visited taxi ranks across Cape Town as tensions continued.
“We need to give our communities the assurance that there will be optimal services and that their safety will not be compromised,” he said.
Although taxi services remain operational, Sileku said commuters were still being left stranded.
The provincial Transport Department secured an interdict from the Western Cape High Court on Friday, aimed at stopping the violence.
READ: Western Cape police threaten taxi rank shutdown amid rising violence
“From our side, the conditions are clear,” Sileku said.
“They must stop killing each other, they must stop intimidating each other and blocking roads,” he added.
He also called on taxi operators to stop interfering with other modes of public transport.
“There shouldn’t be firearms closer to our taxi ranks,” he said.
Representatives from CATA and CODETA are expected to meet with the provincial department on Monday to discuss ways to end the violence.