Taxi bosses to meet minister over deadly Paarl violence

TAXI associations operating in Mbekweni, Paarl are expected to meet Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula today to discuss ongoing violence that has claimed the lives of at least seven taxi operators since January.

The recent murders include two taxi operators who were shot dead in their vehicle on Tuesday by unknown assailants.

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said a double murder case had been opened to investigate the shooting.

It comes days after 41-year-old taxi boss Nkosiyabo Mhobo was also killed, on February 17.

The violence resulted in the temporary closure of a nearby Phola Park clinic. Some schools also reported absenteeism of pupils.

Rwexana said police were monitoring the area.

Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) spokesperson Andile Seyamo said the fight was between two smaller taxi associations affiliated to them, and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta).

“This apparently started last month when three taxi drivers were killed... Cata and Codeta top structures in the region have sent a message demanding that the shootings stop.

“The fight is about the longdistance route from Bellville to Paarl. We have accepted a meeting with the national and provincial departments so that they can also intervene,” said Seyamo.

Mbalula’s spokesperson, Ayanda Allie-Paine, said that from January to date, seven taxi operators had been killed in Paarl.

“Officials of the SAPS as well as members of the SA National Taxi Association, Boland Taxi Association and Paarl Alliance Taxi Association are among the stakeholders with which Minister Mbalula will engage tomorrow,” she said.

MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela’s spokesperson, Ntomboxolo MakobaSomdaka, also confirmed they would be in attendance.

Education spokesperson Kerry Mauchline said pupils making use of taxis were struggling to get to school.

“The department is aware of the situation... They report that schools are open and functioning as normal.”

Cape Winelands District Health’s Sandra Maritz said arrangements had been made for Phola Park Clinic staff to report to Wellington CDC, and for staff to receive trauma counselling.

“We are liaising with the police to determine when it will be safe to deliver services from Phola Park Clinic again.”

Today’s engagements will be at the Mbekweni Community Hall.