Following several days of lawless behaviour and threats of violence, I yesterday met with officials from the South African Police services (SAPS), City of Cape Town’s Metro Police, as well as Provincial officials (including Provincial Traffic Services), to decide on urgent and necessary measures to be taken to curb the increasingly lawless situation at the rank.

Unlawful actions occurred at the Bellville Public Transport Interchange where:

• Taxis were forcibly removed from the ranks
• Shots were fired
• Several threats were made, and
• An official of the Provincial Regulating Entity was intimidated and assaulted

Criminal charges have been laid in all these matters. The incidents involved members of the three taxi associations:

1.     Durbanville Taxi Association

2.     Bellville Taxi Association

3.     Bloekombos/Wallacedene Taxi Association

Law enforcement will, with immediate effect, increase their operations in the area to counter any unlawful actions and curb any further threats of violence.

At the same time, the Provincial Regulating Entity will suspend all transactions in respect of the three associations listed above.

These actions follow a long period of intense engagement with the taxi associations referred to.

Further action will be taken as required.