CATA Taxi Boss Gunned Down on R300, Two Bodyguards Injured
A senior member of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) was shot dead on Monday morning while travelling along the R300 near Cape Town, just days after a 30-day suspension on certain taxi routes was lifted.
The 32-year-old, who chaired one of CATA’s key routes, was attacked while accompanied by two bodyguards.
The vehicle came under fire on the southbound lane near the Somerset West bend, leaving the official dead at the scene and his guards rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds.
Police Launch Manhunt for Suspects
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the suspects behind the shooting. Police spokespersons have yet to release the victim’s name, pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
CATA Taxi Boss Gunned Down on R300, Two Bodyguards Injured (Image Credit: X @Abramjee)The motive for the attack remains unclear, but investigators are not ruling out links to ongoing taxi industry tensions in the Western Cape.
Violence Follows Recent Route Ban Lift
The attack occurred just two days after the provincial government lifted a 30-day ban on certain taxi routes. The temporary closure had been imposed to allow CATA and its rival association to engage in peaceful negotiations following a string of deadly clashes earlier this year.
The ban’s lifting was seen as a hopeful step towards restoring stability in the region’s volatile taxi sector. However, Monday’s shooting has once again raised fears of renewed conflict.
Western Cape Taxi Violence Under Scrutiny
The Western Cape has a long history of deadly feuds between rival taxi associations, often sparked by disputes over lucrative transport routes. The latest killing adds to growing concerns about the safety of public transport operators and passengers who rely on taxis daily.
Authorities are appealing for anyone with information about the gunmen to come forward as investigations continue.