‘Mr Fix’ Mbalula’s visit fails to unite rival taxi groups
COMMUTERS have expressed their frustration at having to hitch-hike and walk in the dark morning hours due to the unabated taxi violence plaguing some areas.
However, commuters will continue to be stranded, as no agreement has been reached between the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata).
The two taxi associations have been in conflict over the B97 Paarl-Mbekweni route on which many, including commuters, have been shot dead and others wounded.
This as Golden Arrow Bus Service (Gabs) moved to reassure commuters that it has no involvement in the current taxi association tensions, after shots were fired at a staff transport bus last Thursday by suspects allegedly in a Toyota Avanza.
In the latest taxi-related shooting on Saturday, a taxi owner was shot and killed in Mfuleni.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said a 28-year-old man was shot and wounded on Klipfontein road near Bardale village and was taken to hospital.
Another man, aged 35, was declared dead at the scene.
“Mfuleni police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said no agreement was reached between the taxi operators at the weekend, but talks would reconvene this week as stakeholders report back to their structures on possible decisions to end disputes.
Transport MEC Daylin Mitchell said the department would continue to provide logistical support, including the services of independent mediators for dialogue to continue within and between Cata and Codeta.
Codeta spokesperson Andile Khanyi said: “Things are very much still volatile. At this stage we cannot divulge the reasons for a failed agreement.”
Cata’s general-secretary, Mandla Hermanus, said their taxis would not operate today as engagements had not yielded positive results that would guarantee the safety of commuters and drivers.
“Passengers are asked to make alternative arrangements.”
Bloekombos father-of-two Junior Ramojapoho said he had been forced to wake up at 6am to hitch-hike from Kraaifontein to Stellenbosch.
“It’s really tough because I recently paid lobola and have a family that depends on me.
“When taxis were still operating we spent R20 to get to work but now the return can cost R80 a day. I’m also worried about losing my job because some days cars don’t stop.”
Commuter Owethu Posiliti said he had been walking from Gugulethu to Heideveld, where he would get a taxi to work in town.
“Some parts of Gugulethu are not safe, especially when walking while it’s still dark. I found a few other people in the area who have also been stranded and we walk together every morning. We will only go back to using taxis once they make peace,” said Posiliti.
Gabs spokesperson Bronwen DykeBeyer, meanwhile, confirmed the shooting of staff last week, and called on the police to make swift arrests.
“Shots were fired at a staff transport bus just before 9pm on Thursday night as the bus was entering Samora Machel. The driver of the bus and a passenger (also a driver) sustained gunshot wounds to the legs and were transported in a stable condition to the hospital. Eyewitnesses claim that the perpetrators were in an Avanza.
“It is not clear what the motive for the shooting is. People must be able to travel safely and Golden Arrow has no involvement in the current taxi association tensions. We will continue to work closely with the authorities and remain dedicated to ensuring that our passengers are able to get to where they need to be,” said Dyke-Beyer.