Taxi operations resume at Nyanga taxi rank after CATA protest

Taxi operations have resumed at the Nyanga taxi rank following a temporary suspension by operators affiliated with the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) earlier on Monday.

Hundreds of taxi operators marched to the local police station, where they handed over a memorandum demanding that police prioritise investigations into taxi-related killings.

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CATA said at least 16 of its members, including women, have been killed since the COVID-19 pandemic, with some of the attacks taking place at the taxi rank.

The association is accusing police of dragging their feet in probing the cases, saying little progress has been made despite several dockets being opened over the years.

CATA leaders claim some of the attacks may be orchestrated from within the association.

Its secretary, Nkululeko Sityebo, said the protest also follows a recent alleged arson attack where nine minibuses were torched.

“There must be arrests for all those people, and there must be reports that we are receiving from the police that this case is at this stage as we speak, and not just the case has been opened, but there’s no progress.”

Operators are now calling on the government to install surveillance cameras at the Nyanga taxi rank to help prevent further violence and improve safety for drivers and commuters.