Four people were killed and two others wounded in two separate shootings in Cape Town on Thursday, with police investigating both incidents as possibly related to taxi violence.
Two men were shot dead and a third person wounded in Maitland shortly after midday on 22 October 2026. Hours earlier, two other men were killed and another person injured at the Palm taxi rank in Delft.
No arrests had been announced in either case, and police investigations were continuing.
Police have not confirmed that the Maitland and Delft shootings were connected. The incidents occurred against the backdrop of a series of taxi-related killings in the Western Cape, including the double murder of two taxi owners in Epping the previous Friday.
Two killed in Maitland
The Maitland shooting occurred just after noon on Thursday, according to police.
Two men died after being shot, while a third person was wounded and taken to hospital for treatment.
Police opened two murder cases and a case of attempted murder. The motive was believed to be related to taxi violence, but no further details about the circumstances or the victims were immediately released.
Police said:
“Two counts of murder and an attempted murder case were opened. The motive is believed to be taxi-violence related. No arrest has been made yet and investigations continue.”
Investigators are expected to examine witness accounts, possible CCTV footage and evidence recovered at the scene. Police have not said whether the victims were taxi operators, passengers or members of the public.
Earlier shooting at Delft taxi rank
The Maitland attack came hours after a shooting at the Palm taxi rank in Delft during the early hours of Thursday.
Two men were shot and fatally wounded, while another person was injured and taken to a nearby medical facility.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick van Wyk said crime-scene experts were investigating at the taxi rank.
“Two males were shot and fatally wounded and another was injured. The injured victim was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Delft police registered two counts of murder and an attempted murder for investigation.”
Police also believed the Delft shooting was linked to taxi violence. No arrests had been announced.
The identities of the deceased and the injured person had not been released in the supplied information. Police have not disclosed whether the shooting occurred inside the taxi rank or whether the attackers fled in a vehicle.
Associations cautious about cause
Nceba Enge, chairperson of CODETA, said he could not comment on the Maitland incident at the time of the report.
CATA chairperson Nkululeko Sityebi said the association also did not have a statement on the recent shootings.
Sityebi said the association was reluctant to speculate before investigators had established what happened.
“We don't want to assume. In the past we have contradicted ourselves by saying things are this way only to discover later, it's not the case. So the association cannot comment right now.”
His comments underline that the police theory of taxi-related violence remains subject to investigation. Until more evidence is made public, the identities of the targets, the possible motives and any links between the attacks cannot be confirmed.
SANTACO condemns violence
The South African National Taxi Council condemned the shootings and called for restraint within the industry.
SANTACO spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana said the organisation was disturbed by the deaths and injuries reported in Delft and Maitland.
“The Council is particularly disturbed by the incidents reported in Delft and Maitland on Thursday, 22 October 2026, which reportedly claimed four lives and left two people injured.”
Tumana said the incidents highlighted the need for stronger safety measures to protect commuters, taxi operators, residents and the wider communities affected by violence.
He said:
“Violence has no place in the minibus taxi industry or in the communities we serve. No commuter, operator or member of the public should have to fear for their safety while travelling, working or going about their daily activities.”
SANTACO said it remained committed to working with law-enforcement authorities, government and other stakeholders to improve safety and address violence in the industry.
Tumana called for thorough investigations and urged those involved in disputes to use lawful processes rather than violence.
“SANTACO Western Cape calls on law enforcement authorities to prioritise thorough investigations into these incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Council further urges all industry stakeholders to exercise restraint, reject violence and support lawful processes aimed at resolving disputes and maintaining stability within the industry.”
Shootings follow Epping double murder
Thursday’s attacks followed a double murder in Epping on Friday, 16 October, when two taxi owners were reportedly killed in an ambush on Fisher Avenue.
The succession of shootings has heightened concern about violence connected to the minibus taxi industry and its impact on people who work in, use or live near transport routes and taxi facilities.
However, police have not confirmed whether the Epping killings are connected to the Delft or Maitland shootings. Each incident remains subject to a separate investigation unless evidence establishes a link.
The cases also raise concerns about the safety of taxi ranks and surrounding public areas, where commuters, workers and residents may be exposed to disputes between armed groups.
Investigations continue
The Delft and Maitland investigations remain at an early stage. Police will need to establish the identities of the victims, identify the shooters and determine the circumstances that led to each attack.
The motive in both cases is still being investigated, despite police indicating that taxi violence may be involved. That assessment does not establish who ordered or carried out the shootings.
At the latest update, four people had been killed, two had been wounded and no arrests had been made. Police urged anyone with information to come forward through the appropriate channels.
The two attacks have left the taxi industry and surrounding communities facing renewed calls for calm, accountability and stronger protection for commuters and residents.