Taxi operations halted due to gang violence in Steenberg and Retreat
Taxi movements were halted on Monday in Steenberg and Retreat as operators marched to hand over a memorandum of demands.
A representative from the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta), who wants to protect his identity out of fear for his safety, said they were being targeted by gangsters and were calling on the assistance of the police.
Road closures were reported on Prince George Drive and Military Road as motorists were advised to find alternative routes until the roads reopened, which was around 9am.
“We held a strike because of the harassment and intimidation by these gangsters. Every day, they either hijack one of our vehicles, use our vehicles to shoot out of, rob the drivers, or hit and beat the drivers.
"We demanded that government officials must protect us. They gave us the assurance that there will be more police visibility and assistance from their side.
"We have written to about 12 governmental departments, only one came back and said we are at the wrong door, and we have been given the run around.
“These gangs are extorting us. They just grab a taxi to go to court without saying a word. The vehicle must take them to Wynberg Court or Simon's Town and wait the whole day until the court is finished, and when there is a funeral, they utilise us, and we have no say, and they do not give a cent. They do all this by gunpoint.”
Wayne Turner for the Muizenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) confirmed Saps will be working hand-in-hand with the taxi operators.
“Representatives of local taxi associations gathered peacefully and handed a memorandum to the Station Commander of Muizenberg SAPS, Lt Colonel Manuel, regarding ongoing violence and criminal activity affecting taxi operations in the communities of Seawinds, Overcome Heights, and Vrygrond.
"In the memorandum, the taxi associations requested an increased and visible police presence in the area from as early as 4am, particularly during the early morning taxi shift, in order to combat crime that impacts drivers, commuters, and public safety.
"Lt Colonel Manuel acknowledged receipt of the memorandum and indicated that the request for increased visibility was not unreasonable.
"He advised that Muizenberg SAPS would endeavour to increase a blue-light police presence during the early taxi shift by allocating additional operational resources where possible."
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