Western Cape Suspends Taxi Routes Amid Deadly Violence

Cape Town – The Western Cape Government will suspend several minibus-taxi routes serving the Mfuleni, Khayelitsha, Nomzamo, Lwandle and Somerset West corridor from Wednesday, 17 September 2025, for a period of 30 days.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku made the announcement on Friday, citing escalating violence that has cost lives and left thousands of commuters stranded in recent weeks.

The suspension affects key services, including Route M18 (Mfuleni–Somerset West), Route 43 (Lwandle–Khayelitsha via Somerset West), and Route 611 (Khayelitsha–Somerset West), among others. Specific lanes at taxi ranks in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni, Somerset West, Nomzamo and Lwandle will also be closed.

The province has invoked Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act to enforce these extraordinary measures.

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Sileku described the decision as “exceptionally difficult” but said commuter safety comes first after several shootings, including fatalities reported in late August and another deadly incident on 4 September. He urged taxi associations to use the suspension as an opportunity to reach lasting peace agreements.

Read | Cape Town Metro Cop Killed in Drive-by Shooting Amidst the Taxi Strike

To cushion the impact, the province has secured additional capacity with Golden Arrow Bus Services and Metrorail to ensure learners and workers can still get to schools and workplaces, particularly during the exam period.

Law enforcement officers, provincial traffic teams and City enforcement units will maintain a strong presence along the affected routes and taxi ranks to prevent illegal operations. Authorities warned that anyone defying the suspension will face legal action.

Commuters and residents have raised concerns about the disruption to daily travel, but the Western Cape Government stressed that the temporary closures are aimed at protecting lives and creating space for dialogue. It called on CATA and CODETA to put commuter safety and dignity first and return to the negotiating table for a sustainable solution.