Cape Town taxi violence: Mayor offers full policing support after deadly shootings

Cape Town is in the grip of a deadly surge of taxi violence, as Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has condemned a series of shootings that have left multiple victims dead and injured in the past 48 hours.

This alarming escalation of violence centred around disputes over routes and permits has prompted the City to extend its full policing support to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The turmoil unfolded with gunfire reports at the Palm taxi rank in Delft on Wednesday morning. Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes, as the sound of shots echoed through the rank, creating panic among commuters and taxi operators alike.

Over the past day, more than five taxi operators were killed in various incidents across Delft, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Gugulethu, with burning tyres blocking entrances and causing significant disruption. At least two individuals were reported injured during the chaos at the Palm taxi rank.

Delft, Cape Flats. Taxi protest and shooting. https://t.co/YLmJZTubOk

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 28, 2026

As of 09:42 on 28 October, law enforcement agencies, including Public Order Police, were on-site at the taxi rank to monitor the situation, although SAPS confirmed that no arrests had been made yet, as reported on Smile FM.

SAPS spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana indicated that Delft SAPS has initiated two attempted murder cases and a firearms discharge case linked to the morning’s shooting incident.

In light of these violent clashes, Hill-Lewis has assured the public of an increased police presence in affected areas, urging taxi industry leaders to prioritise peace over conflict.

‘We utterly condemn the violence and lawlessness linked to disputes within the taxi industry. The senseless loss of life must be met with a robust policing response,’ he stated.

Hill-Lewis offered the City’s support by leveraging safety camera footage and surveillance technology, alongside mobilising metro officers in complement to SAPS.

Mayco for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, echoed the Hill-Lewis’s sentiments, reinforcing that the City’s enforcement agencies had responded to various shooting incidents in support of SAPS.

He made an appeal to the public, encouraging community members to report any information regarding the perpetrators of this violence: ‘We cannot tolerate a situation where thugs put innocent lives in harm’s way without consequence,’ Smith added.

We condemn the violence stemming from internal fights within the taxi industry in Cape Town.

Our Cape Town Metro Police officers are maintaining a heightened presence around various high risk taxi ranks to protect commuters. The City will act to uphold the rule of law and support SAPS to hold violent criminals accountable.

We will do whatever it takes to make communities safer.

— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) October 28, 2026

An anonymous tip line has been established for those wishing to provide information, available 24 hours a day at 0800 110077.

The ongoing violence has also raised concerns among public transport operators. Golden Arrow Bus Services reported an influx of calls from anxious passengers worried about their safety during commutes.

The company reassured the public that, although operations were running on schedule, officials were closely monitoring various areas and would implement route deviations if needed to ensure commuter safety.

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Also read:

Two men killed in early morning shooting at Delft taxi rank

Picture: @Abramjee / X

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