CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Police Commissioner Sizakhele Dyantyi has warned taxi operators that ranks could be shut down if violence continues, following a deadly month in which at least 12 people have been killed in taxi-related incidents.
Dyantyi issued the warning after an urgent meeting between police leadership and the City of Cape Town’s safety officials to develop a coordinated response to escalating violence ahead of next week’s local government elections.
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The proposed interventions include increased police deployments, drones, licence plate recognition technology and the use of the city’s extensive CCTV network to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Dyantyi says authorities will take decisive action against those involved in the violence, including shutting down taxi ranks if necessary.
The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Commissioner, Johan Brand, says the municipality will support SAPS through increased deployments and stricter enforcement of transport legislation and traffic by-laws.
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Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral Commission says it is working with law enforcement and the city to ensure voting stations, election officials and voters are protected.
Western Cape IEC chief electoral officer Michael Hendrickse says preparations are largely on track, although the commission is still awaiting ballot papers following a Constitutional Court decision that required them to be reprinted.
He remains confident that all materials will be in place ahead of the special votes scheduled for Monday.
- eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.