City of Cape Town MMC for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith has pleaded for support from police in the Western Cape to ensure that those responsible for the arson that destroyed 13 taxis at the Nyanga Taxi Rank are brought to justice.
Earlier on Monday, IOL News reported that Western Cape have deployed additional police to the taxi rank, following an incident in which 13 taxis were set on fire on Sunday evening.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that the incident occurred late Sunday.
Potelwa said the local police and firefighting services were called out to the scene, after flames were seen coming from some vehicles.
“Official reports also indicate that three minibus taxis were completely destroyed and 13 damaged as a result of the fire that is probed by police,” said Potelwa.
However, IOL understands that close to 20 taxis were set ablaze at the taxi rank.
No arrests have been made, and a case of arson is under investigation by SAPS detectives, she said.
“The deployed forces will remain in the area until calm is restored,” Potelwa said, adding that the taxi rank remains open for commuters.
Smith said the incident would likely escalate tensions in the area.
“While the SAPS is leading the investigation into the incident, City resources are in place to boost visible policing efforts,” he said.
Smith also noted that the City’s Fire and Rescue Service responded to a fire at around 10.30pm and found multiple taxis alight.
Firefighters extinguished the flames by 11.40pm.
"It is unlikely that the torching of vehicles in Nyanga was accidental - SAPS is investigating a case of arson,” Smith said.
“This comes just weeks after a deadly shooting at the rank that resulted in more than a dozen arrests.”
Smith assured that the City will support the SAPS with all available resources.
“It is imperative that this incident is investigated speedily, and if anyone is to blame, that they are brought to book, so that calm can be restored in Nyanga,” he added
He emphasised that the taxi rank is a vital hub for thousands of daily commuters and that the City has a duty to ensure their safety and prevent any further violence.
Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) in the province condemned the incident, calling the burning of taxis at the Nyanga Terminus “unacceptable.”
Santaco urged those responsible to seek a peaceful resolution to avoid further property damage.
“We, the provincial structure will be requesting a meeting with the executive of Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) to brief us regarding the happenings, where we will be encouraging them to meet with those parties involved to find an amicable solution,” Santaco said in a statement.
The taxi association further emphasised its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and a stable taxi industry to serve commuters in the province.
“Anyone with any information should approach the relevant law enforcement agencies,” Santaco added.
IOL News