Two Killed, Two Injured in Macassar Taxi Rank Shooting Amid Ongoing Taxi Violence

Two people have been shot dead and two others wounded following a shooting at the Macassar taxi rank in the Western Cape, in what authorities believe is the latest escalation in the ongoing taxi violence between rival associations.

Police confirmed the incident on Tuesday morning, saying the shooting appears to be linked to tensions between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA). The long-standing feud has flared up once again — this time reportedly over control of the Somerset taxi rank.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Malcolm Pojie, officers responded to the scene shortly after reports of gunfire. “Two male victims were declared dead on the scene, while two others sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention,” said Pojie.

He added that the motive is believed to be taxi-related and that a case of murder and attempted murder has been opened. “We are pursuing several leads, and no arrests have been made at this stage,” Pojie said.

The Western Cape’s taxi industry has long been plagued by violent competition between rival associations vying for control of lucrative routes. In recent years, several ceasefires and peace agreements have been brokered with the help of the provincial government, but violent flare-ups continue to occur — often with deadly consequences.

According to sources within the taxi industry, the latest dispute centers around the Somerset West taxi rank, a key hub for commuters traveling between the Helderberg area and Cape Town. Both CODETA and CATA have reportedly laid claim to operating rights at the rank, and tensions have been simmering for weeks.

Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, condemned the latest killings and called for urgent intervention. “We are deeply concerned by this latest outbreak of violence,” he said. “This is not the way disputes should be resolved. We call on all taxi associations to act with restraint and to return to the negotiation table