The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) is calling for surveillance cameras and increased police visibility at the Nyanga taxi rank following a surge in violence. Last week, nine minibuses were torched, marking the second major fire in just over a year, alongside several deadly shootings. Taxi operators marched to the Nyanga Police Station demanding faster investigations.
CATA Secretary Nkululeko Sityebi said the violence stems from internal disputes. “The basis of it is a primary association where members had differences in Nyanga. Their disagreements escalated at the taxi rank, which then led to these fires,” he explained.
Sityebi clarified that the issue is not gang-related. “According to the primary association, it’s an internal issue on a certain route in Nyanga. So, it means that it’s not a gang issue; it’s an internal dispute on that specific route,” he said.
The march aimed to highlight the lack of visible law enforcement at the taxi rank. “The main reason for yesterday’s march is because we felt that, as much as these incidents are taking place, there are no measures in place for us or for commuters to see that Nyanga is a safe place. There is no visible police presence, and there isn’t much law enforcement at the rank. These are the issues we believe must be addressed,” said Sityebi.
CATA is urging authorities to install cameras and boost police presence to protect commuters and operators alike, as tensions continue at the busy taxi hub.
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