Delft quiet but tense as taxi operators hold talks

CALM has been restored in areas affected by the deadly taxi violence that brought public transport to its knees as thousands of commuters were left stranded.

However, the situation remained tense as the Delft taxi rank has been closed since Wednesday due to the violence.

A taxi driver associated with the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) was shot dead and another wounded in a separate incident. A number of minibus taxis have been pelted with stones since the violence started three weeks ago. Golden Arrow Bus Services withdrew its services in Nyanga earlier this week.

The violence erupted after a dispute between Cata and the Delft Taxi Association (Deta) over routes.

Attempted murder charges against the 23 taxi drivers from Cata were withdrawn yesterday due to lack of evidence when they appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court.

Cata chairman Victor Wiwi said their services were running normally and would continue doing so following a meeting with Deta.

Wiwi said there was a planned follow-up meeting today with Deta and representatives from the provincial transport department.

He said they were pleased that the charges had been withdrawn against their members, and that the charges had been fabricated and had no merit.

“There was no reason for their arrest because they did not break any law when they went to the (Delft) taxi rank, because we also operate there,” he said.

Deta chairman Nazeem Daniels confirmed that the situation was calm, but tense.

“Our wish is to operate without fear and do business as usual. Our representatives are meeting with Cata to find an amicable solution,” said Daniels.

This week transport MEC Donald Grant said he would place a notice in the Government Gazette to declare Delft “a high risk area for public transport”.