The Western Cape Government has taken the extraordinary step of invoking Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act, a rarely used measure that empowers authorities to close public transport routes when violence spirals out of control.
Several main taxi routes will be closed for 30 days starting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, to protect commuters and bring stability to places where gun violence and turf fights made daily travel a life-or-death situation.
The Western Cape Department of Mobility has confirmed that the closures affect key connections between Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, Lwandle, Somerset West, Nomzamo, and Sitari Village Mall. Authorities have also announced that specified lanes at busy taxi ranks in these areas will be closed off.
“This is not a step we take lightly, but when violence and unrest threaten the lives of people simply trying to get to work, to school, or to the shops, we have a duty to act. We have consulted Golden Arrow Bus Services and Metrorail trains, who will provide additional capacity to assist residents in getting to work and learners in getting to school, especially during this crucial school exams period,” the Western Cape Mobility Department said.
