The ongoing taxi violence in the Cape metropole has taken a devastating turn, with an eight-year-old boy injured by a stray bullet over the weekend. This incident occurred amidst a series of deadly shootings, highlighting the escalating conflict within the taxi industry and its devastating impact on innocent bystanders.
The young boy was struck by a stray bullet on Saturday night in Lwandle, as a taxi driver was fatally shot. This incident follows a tragic shooting on Friday morning at a Mfuleni taxi rank, where gunmen stormed a Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) office, killing four men and wounding three others, including a commuter.
The recent surge in violence has prompted serious concern and calls for urgent intervention to address the root causes of the conflict.
SAPS’ Major-General Bongani Maqashalala suggested that the motive behind the Mfuleni attack was related to the ongoing conflict between rival taxi associations Codeta and Cape Amalgamated Taxi Associations (Cata). The police have announced a reward of R100 000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the Mfuleni massacre.
The motive behind Saturday's Strand attack is also believed to be linked to the taxi wars, further underscoring the volatile situation within the industry.
Niklaas Thysen, the public relations officer for the Strand Community Police Forum, confirmed the shooting incident in Lwandle. "It has been confirmed that a taxi violence shooting incident where a taxi owner was shot dead at Lwandle Street on [Saturday] night," Thysen said.
He added that the circumstances surrounding the shooting were currently being investigated by the Provincial SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes Unit. "We are hoping that the parties involved in the taxi industry, together with all Law Enforcement agencies, can find a peaceful solution as soon as possible," Thysen stated.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the case and said that the motive for this attack is believed to be taxi-related. He said that police are investigating a case of murder and a case of attempted murder after the boy was hit.
"Lwandle police responded to a complaint on Saturday, 7 June 2025. Upon arrival in Vulindlela Street at about 7pm they found a VW Polo in the road," Swartbooi reported. "The driver of the motor vehicle sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel."
He further confirmed that the eight-year-old child sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. "The suspect/s fled the scene and they are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack is believed to be taxi related. Lwandle police registered cases of murder and attempted murder for further investigation," Swartbooi stated.
The recent spate of violence has left communities reeling and has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of current strategies to address the taxi conflict. The involvement of innocent bystanders, including a young child, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about these incidents to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously. The community's cooperation is crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring peace to the affected areas.
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