Golden Arrow Deploys Extra Buses After Taxi Ban Over Violence

Cape Town – The Western Cape Government has confirmed that from Wednesday, 17 September 2025, a number of minibus taxi routes across the Cape Town metro will be closed for 30 days. This extraordinary measure follows a fresh wave of violence in the industry, including at least four taxi-related murders in Nyanga since last week, with the most recent shooting reported this morning, 16 September.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku announced the closures under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act (2009), saying the move is in the best interests of passenger safety and aimed at restoring stability. The closures apply specifically to selected routes and lanes in Mfuleni, Somerset West, Khayelitsha, Nomzamo and Lwandle. Sileku has faced mounting calls to reconsider the decision but remains adamant that the violence leaves government with no alternative.

“The safety of commuters cannot be compromised. These routes have become war zones, and until order is restored, we will not risk more lives,” Sileku stated.

The decision has sparked strong backlash. Cosatu in the Western Cape condemned the closures, arguing that thousands of workers and commuters who depend on taxis will be severely affected. The union accused the department of acting without proper consultation and demanded urgent talks with all stakeholders to find practical alternatives. Taxi organisations have echoed these concerns.

- Advertisement -

Read | Taxi War Sparks Violence, Looting and Road Blockades in Mthatha

To cushion the impact, the province has roped in Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) and Metrorail to provide additional transport during the suspension period. GABS has rolled out an extensive list of extra services linking Nyanga, Mfuleni, Lwandle, Macassar, Strand, Somerset West and surrounding areas. The schedule includes early-morning trips for workers, return trips in the afternoon and evening, as well as limited weekend services.

Golden Arrow Additional Services (Highlights):

• Nyanga → Strand: 05:10, 05:30 (Mon–Fri); 05:45 (Sat)
• Nyanga → Somerset West: 06:30, 07:00, 10:30 (Mon–Fri)
• Somerset West → Nyanga: 13:15, 14:30, 15:20, 15:30, 16:05, 16:20 (Mon–Fri)
• Mfuleni → Lwandle: 05:30 (Mon–Fri)
• Somerset West → Mfuleni: 19:00 (Mon–Fri); 18:20 (Sat)
• Strand → Mfuleni: 16:45 (Mon–Fri); 13:05 (Sat)
• Macassar → Somerset West: 06:45, 07:45 (Mon–Fri)
• Somerset West → Nyanga: 18:10 (Mon–Fri); 18:00 (Sat); 16:35, 17:00, 17:10 (Sun)

(Full extended schedule available through GABS.)

Meanwhile, SAPS, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, and Provincial Traffic officers will be deployed to enforce the measures. Authorities have warned that operators who defy the order face fines of up to R5 000 or even six months’ imprisonment.

Despite the pushback, the provincial government insists the closures are temporary and will remain in effect for the full 30-day period unless the situation stabilises sooner.

For commuters, the coming weeks are expected to be marked by longer travel times, crowded buses, and uncertainty. For government, the closures are a test of whether decisive action can quell an industry crisis that has claimed too many lives.