Taxi bosses, politicians linked to violent ‘Big Five’ cartel network

A violent network linking taxi bosses, politicians and criminal cartels is emerging from explosive testimony and investigations, raising fresh questions about the rule of law in South Africa.

Reports point to a ‘Big Five’ cartel with reach across the country, allegedly tied to attempted murders, kidnappings, drug trafficking, tender fraud and contract killings.

The network is also said to benefit from protection within political and law enforcement circles.

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Investigative journalist Sabelo Skiti said the picture emerging suggests something far more organised than previously understood.

“I would certainly say so,” he said when asked whether the evidence points to a ‘mafia state’.

“What we’re beginning to see now is that it’s much more organised than what we thought.”

According to Skiti, the cartel operates across multiple spheres, from taxi operations to government procurement, with influence extending into municipalities and state entities.

He said similar patterns are visible in Gauteng metros and beyond, including KwaZulu-Natal, indicating a national footprint.

“You’ve got the violence attached… the killers for hire… and then you have the influence across the country… over very senior politicians across the political spectrum.”

Police capability, and compromise

Despite concerns about corruption, Skiti said aspects of the investigation showed strong policing capability.

Authorities were able to trace suspects through cellphone data, toll records and vehicle tracking, linking them to a high-profile attempted murder.

“They could trace their connections on cell phones… track them via toll gantries… and ultimately place them at the crime scene.”

Police also tracked a getaway vehicle through multiple owners, recovered it and matched forensic evidence, even after it had been altered.

For Skiti, this highlights a contradiction.

“The capability is there within the police service… but the capture… might just be a bit deeper.”

Killing exposes a power struggle

The attempted assassination of a senior taxi figure appears central to exposing the network.

What was once seen as taxi violence is now described as a broader struggle for control of lucrative criminal operations.

“This was a tussle for control… within these cartels,” Skiti said.

The conflict allegedly followed a breakdown in a leadership succession agreement, escalating tensions between powerful figures in the industry.

Money beyond taxis

The scale of wealth linked to key figures has also raised questions.

While large taxi fleets generate income, investigators believe the real money lies elsewhere.

“What we are beginning to get an idea of is a network that extends beyond… the taxi industry itself.”

The alleged involvement in drug trafficking, smuggling and high-value tenders points to far greater financial flows.

Blurred lines between crime and power

The investigation suggests that what were once seen as separate forces — taxi operators, criminal syndicates and political actors — may in some cases be intertwined.

This convergence, combined with violence and alleged protection networks, is now at the centre of growing concern.

For more information, listen to Skiti on 702’s Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa using the audio player below: