Cape taxi rank faces shutdown over violence

28 March 2013 - 03:40 By QUINTON MTYALA
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The Bellville Taxi Rank, which Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle has threatened to close, due to the violence stemming from warring taxi factions
The Bellville Taxi Rank, which Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle has threatened to close, due to the violence stemming from warring taxi factions
Image: SHELLEY CHRISTIANS

Western Cape transport MEC Robin Carlisle wants to shut down one of Cape Town's busiest taxi ranks because of rival factions, who have been warring over route permits since 2011.

Carlisle said that between July and September last year several owners and drivers had been murdered in the Bellville area due to taxi-related violence.

Since the start of March, there had been a shooting at the taxi rank and an assault on a senior official at the provincial taxi regulating entity, as well as the forced removal of around 30 taxi operators.

Carlisle said that, unless the violence ceased, he would shut down the 71 routes from April 22 for a two-month period - a move that will affect thousands of commuters .

The rivalry is between the Bell-ville Taxi Association , the Durbanville Taxi Association and the Bloekombos Wallacedene Taxi Association, said Carlisle.

At the heart of the dispute is a call by these associations to limit their members to only six operating permits each.

A taxi owner said: "How can they ask people to cut down on the number of their permits when we are used to a standard of living, and have to pay off these vehicles for which we have applied?"

Cape Chamber of Commerce executive director Viola Manuel said the closure of routes would have a devastating impact on businesses and workers, but said public transport had to be made safe.

"We hope closure will be the final option and we call for mediation," said Manuel.

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