The Western Cape government has obtained a court order to curb taxi violence in Atlantis after a series of deadly shootings. The order, granted by the Western Cape High Court, aims to stop transport-related intimidation and unlawful operations affecting residents in Atlantis, Saxonwold, and Witsand.
The violence is linked to taxi route disputes, which have resulted in the deaths of three taxi operators and a 14-year-old schoolgirl. Among those killed was Eugene “Spoed” Titus, the Atlantis chairperson of the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta), who was shot dead outside Atlantis Secondary School.
Taxi Violence in Atlantis
The mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has offered a R100 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the violence. The Western Cape Department of Mobility approached the court seeking urgent relief to reduce violence and intimidation at key transport hubs.
The court order is directed at several taxi associations, including the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association and Codeta Atlantis Taxi Association, as well as nine people in the taxi industry. The order prohibits the respondents from interfering with any form of public or private transport, including assaulting, intimidating, or threatening drivers, operators, or staff from other taxi associations or transport services.
Ensuring Safety
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the intervention is intended to reinforce the rule of law and improve safety for residents who rely on public transport. “We recognise that legal interventions can sometimes create uncertainty for residents in the short term. However, this interdict sends a clear message that intimidation and violence will not be tolerated,” Sileku said.
The order applies to areas where incidents of intimidation and interference have been reported. Taxi associations have been instructed to submit a report to the court by 16 March detailing their compliance with the order. The associations must also ensure their members comply strictly with operating licence conditions.
Some of the key areas affected by the order include:
- Atlantis
- Saxonwold
- Witsand
For more information on the court order and its implications, visit the Government of South Africa website. You can also read more about the latest news on taxi violence in South Africa.
