eNCA reported at 08:30 on Monday 2 November 2026 that fewer commuters were using Cape Town's taxi ranks, amid fear for their safety, while clashes continued between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA). The violence was linked to disputed routes in Delft, Langa and Epping. On the broadcaster's figures, 12 people had been killed over a month of escalation. Western Cape police commissioner Sizakhele Dyantyi had warned operators that ranks could be shut if the violence continued. Friday's clashes had also disrupted Cape Town International Airport. Malcolm Koopman, the airport's acting regional manager, reported that at least 50% of staff were unable to get to work, and security screening queues grew long. Taxi services were still operating. Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku visited ranks across the city that morning, with commuters still being left stranded. He told eNCA:
"We need to give our communities the assurance that there will be optimal services and that their safety will not be compromised. From our side, the conditions are clear. They must stop killing each other, they must stop intimidating each other and blocking roads. There shouldn't be firearms closer to our taxi ranks."
Operators were also called on to stop interfering with other modes of public transport. Representatives of CATA and CODETA were expected to meet the provincial department on Monday. Taxi violence fears keep commuters away from Cape Town ranks
The City's account
Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town's mayoral committee member for urban mobility, issued a statement the same morning. Residents could be assured that public transport operations had been under way for the Monday commute. As of early Monday, ranks and stations across the city were operating normally. People relying on minibus taxis and other public transport were making their journeys to places of education, work and other destinations. The South African Police Service, the City and provincial safety services were continuing high-visibility and surveillance work on routes, ranks and stations. Quintas looked forward to a scheduled engagement with SANTACO, CATA and CODETA later that morning.
"A stable and peaceful transport system where commuters, operators and public transport drivers feel safe keeps Cape Town moving."
Monday morning commute running smoothly
The court order
The Western Cape Mobility Department, in a statement dated 31 October 2026, welcomed an interim interdict from the Western Cape High Court against CATA, CODETA, their cited office bearers, and affiliated associations and members. The department had approached the court after recent taxi violence, to protect commuters and lawful transport operations. The order is provisional, but the restrictions take effect immediately and must be obeyed. Under the rule nisi, the respondents have an opportunity at 10am on 20 November 2026 to show why the order should not be made final.
The interdict prohibits violence, intimidation, road blockades, interference with public or private transport, unlawful route takeovers, damage to property, and collecting money through threats. It also restricts firearms and dangerous weapons at and around transport facilities, and in minibus taxis on the relevant routes.
Within 24 hours of being served, the cited office bearers must communicate the order to their affiliated associations and members, instruct them in writing to comply, and publicly call for an end to the violence. Within three days of service, they must submit a sworn report with proof of the steps taken.
High Court grants temporary interdict as Western Cape holds taxi organisations to account
Langa registration
In a separate regulatory action, the Western Cape Provincial Taxi Registrar has suspended the registration of the CATA Langa Inter-township Taxi Association for six months, following an inquiry into unlawful operations in the Epping area. The Registrar found that the association knowingly permitted unlawful route invasions and failed to take reasonable steps to stop them or properly control its drivers and members. The inquiry also found that drivers participated in violent activities, or in activities that induced violence.
During the suspension, members are prohibited from applying for the granting, renewal, amendment or transfer of operating licences, including temporary licences. The Registrar will monitor compliance and take further remedial action if unlawful operations continue.
What Sileku asked for
In the department's statement, Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku put the case for going to court.
"I have a responsibility to protect residents who rely on public transport and ensure that lawful taxi operators can work without fear. We have tried other ways to stop the violence, but it has continued, leaving us with no choice but to approach the court. I urge CATA and CODETA to take responsibility, end the violence and resolve their disputes peacefully for the benefit of all residents and lawful operators."