Western Cape Taxi Violence Sparks Fears About Learner Safety, SA Calls on Government to Intervene
- The Western Cape Education Department is concerned about the recent spate of shootings in the province
- Taxi-related shootings have left at least six people dead and many others injured in the space of two days
- South Africans called on the government and President Cyril Ramaphosa to do more about the shooting incidents
- Police Media Liaison Officer, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, provided an update to Briefly News about the investigations
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE – Rising tensions between taxi associations are having a negative impact on education in the Western Cape.
That’s according to the Western Cape Education Department, which has raised concerns about learner safety following a spate of fatal shootings in the province.
At least six people have been killed in the past two days, following taxi-related shootings in Philippi East, Khayelitsha, and Macassar.
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Education Minister addresses safety concerns
Speaking about the recent shooting incidents, Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, said that the violence has sparked concern among parents, as well as on social media
Maynier added that schools would remain open where possible, but closures would be decided on a case-by-case basis. District officials would assess each situation to see if learners’ safety was at risk. He also called on parents to rely only on official communication from their children’s schools.
“It’s extremely disappointing that once again the violent behaviour of the taxi organisations affects the ability of our learners to access their right to basic education. The best interests of our children should always come first,” Maynier stated.
He confirmed that the department would continue to monitor each situation closely, with the guidance and support of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Source: Getty Images
Police investigations underway into recent shootings
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Media Liaison Officer for the police in the Western Cape, confirmed to Briefly News that investigations were ongoing into the shootings at taxi ranks.
Three people were shot dead on Monday, 25 August 2025, following shootings in Philippi East and Khayelitsha and two people were shot dead in Macassar on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.
“The circumstances surrounding the incidents are all still under investigation. Detectives are hard at work in a bid to ensure a breakthrough and detain those who are responsible for the murders and attempted murders as experienced in the isolated incidents,” he said.
Warrant Officer Swartbooi also appealed to anyone with information to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users are frustrated that problems in the taxi industry continue to affect innocent people. While some suggested what could be done, others blamed the president and government for remaining silent.
Alex Williams said:
“This government needs to discipline the taxi industry, oh sorry, let's start with the corruption in government first. The struggle continues.”
Thibos stated:
“The DA is failing to curb the ongoing violence in the Western Cape. This is too much.”
Tlakara Lelekane claimed:
“It seems that the taxis want to bring down the economy of South Africa. This industry doesn't care about the unemployment rate in South Africa. The transport fees go up day and night. Really, South Africa needs another type of transport. The government must go abroad in the world and bring a different system of transport.”
Gertrude Lenders stated:
“Cyril seems to be president in name only. A leader should lead, and their actions should be visible. So far, he gives speeches only, but no action to curb any of the wrongs in SA. He simply turns a blind eye and always seems shocked when confronted with what's happening in this country.”
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Sky Louise de Haas said:
“My question is, what is Ramaphosa doing about it? Nothing. We live in a lawless country where people can do what they want. The taxi owners think they own the country.”
Robinson Maakana suggested:
“Bring the army to help curb this problem if there are no immediate plans, before things get out of hand.”
Western Cape MEC expresses concern about taxi violence
The Western Cape Police and Community Safety Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) was concerned about the taxi violence.
Briefly News also reported that Anroux Marais spoke out after four people were killed in a shooting at the Mfuleni Taxi Rank.
The police also offered a R100,000 reward for information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible for the crime.
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Source: Briefly News
