CATA and CODETA commit to peace after deadly taxi violence

An estimated 18 people have lost their lives in recent weeks amid taxi violence in the Western Cape, as rival taxi organisations CATA and CODETA have committed to maintaining peace following a dispute over routes between Delft and Epping.

Normal operations have been reported at taxi ranks and stations across the City following a meeting on Monday November 2, 2026, where stakeholders gathered to resolve the tensions between the two organisations.

Taxi organisations commit to peace

A previous meeting was held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, bringing together taxi industry representatives and the Western Cape Government following a series of taxi-related shootings allegedly linked to tensions between CATA and CODETA.

The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) failed to send representatives to the talks aimed at resolving its dispute with CODETA.

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) called for an end to the deadly taxi violence gripping the Western Cape and urged drivers to return to work.

Makhosandile Tumana, spokesperson and public relations officer for SANTACO in the Western Cape, said the organisation appreciated the meeting and the commitment made by both parties.

“We can say that we appreciated the meeting because all the relevant stakeholders were part of the meeting, every organisation was represented. The two parties (CATA and CODETA) committed themselves to keep peace and harmony in the metro so hopefully they will keep their promise.

“The bloodshed was a dispute over routes between Delft and Epping. It was that issue that caused these kinds of killings in the industry. We are not sure how many people have died during this period but the estimated number is about 18 people who lost their lives in this matter.”

Taxi operations return to normal

Councillor Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, confirmed that as of early Monday morning, ranks and stations across the Cape metro had been operating normally.

SAPS, City and provincial safety services are continuing their high-visibility and surveillance operations along various routes, at ranks and stations.

On Monday morning, Minister Isaac Sileku, the MEC for Mobility, visited various taxi ranks at key locations to engage with commuters and operators and monitor the situation.