CATA president Siviwe Kiva faces premeditated murder charge
CATA president has been arrested.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media
Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) president, Siviwe Kiva, is facing a charge of premeditated murder, while more charges may be added against him.
Kiva made his first appearance in the Paarl Magistrate's Court on Monday, where he heard that the State would be opposing his release on bail.
The matter was postponed to Thursday.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed Kiva's appearance in court and that he would face serious charges.
“CATA president Siviwe Kiva appeared at Paarl Magistrate's Court today charged with premeditated murder," he said.
"More charges are likely to be added. His case has been postponed until Thursday, June 4, for a formal bail application. The State will oppose bail."
CATA spokesperson, Nkululeko Sityebi, earlier confirmed the arrest when approached by the Cape Argus, but did not elaborate further.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) said it could not comment yet on Kiva's arrest.
Last week, SANTACO issued a statement relating to members being arrested and charged: “SANTACO Western Cape notes with serious concern the matters currently before the courts involving certain individuals linked to the taxi industry. As an organisation, we wish to place on record that SANTACO Western Cape does not condone violence, extortion, intimidation, or any form of criminal conduct.
“The matters before the court relate to individuals, and due legal processes must be allowed to unfold without interference or prejudice. Membership or leadership within the taxi industry does not exempt any person from accountability before the law.”
Earlier this month, the Western Cape’s two largest taxi associations - Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA) and CATA, met to sign a peace agreement.
The meeting was held at Nyanga Terminus and followed an onslaught of violence late last year, which saw several CATA members being shot and killed.