The fact that the taxi industry has opted for violence and intimidation is not surprising. The industry is known for its history of violence. Scores of people are killed each time there is a taxi war. These wars occur frequently, all over the country.
1990s: More that 2000 people died as a result of taxi-related violence in the 90s. There was an ongoing war between the two taxi rivals Cata and Codeta. Over time, it became apparent that some of the Cata drivers were also gangsters, who were using the taxi industry as a smoke-screen for gang and drug-related warfare. According to Human Rights Commission some of the coloured taxi associations have solicited the "protection" of some of the Cape Flats most feared gang-lords.
2000: Golden Arrow buses were targeted by unknown snipers. The taxi industry demanded that Golden Arrow increase its fares and withdraw from the Khayelitsha area over weekends. There were rumours that the sniper gang was hired by taxi operators. The confrontation lasted for 15 weeks and five people were killed.
2005: Violence broke out again, when the two main taxi rivals fought for rights to transport passengers to the R600-million Cape Gate Mall in Kraaifontein. Both sides wanted to monopolise the route.
Deaths: Seven drivers and 15 passengers were killed
Injured: Scores of people were injured, including a police officer
Former premier Ebrahim Rassol constituted an inquiry into the taxi violence in the Western Cape. The inquiry was aimed at building a lasting base for an empowered industry, safety for commuters, peace among associations and respect for the rule of law.
Taxi violence broke out again during the inquiry. A man was shot and killed by unknown gunmen. No one was willing to talk about the the killings. Perpetrators are rarely arrested because people refuse to come forward with information. The inquiry failed to solve the problems and the violence continued. A similar inquiry was established in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal but nothing came of it.
2006: Taxi violence claimed 25 lives in Khayelitsha.
Reason: Fighting over the Bellville interchange — Codeta wanted to take passengers up to the mall but their rivals were against it.
2007: Six taxi drivers were killed in separate incidents. They were still fighting over taxi routes. Both sides blamed each other for the violence.
Mounting death toll
According to a study by Automobile Association of South Africa, up to 70 000 minibus taxi crash each year — double the number of accidents involving other motor vehicles.
- In 2008 there were 58 490 unroadworthy or unlicensed minibus taxis.
- Taxi operators break every road rule that exists.
- Taxi operators use foul language when dealing with their commuters.
- Taxi are involved in approximately 1380 fatal crashes annually.
- Many taxi drivers do not have driving licences or operating licences.
Cope's Western Cape premier candidate Allan Boesak recently accused Helen Zille of using apartheid tactics when she threatened to deploy the army to quell the taxi violence. But we no longer live under an apartheid regime and the rules of engagement have changed considerably. Resorting to violent intimidation when you don't get your own way is not acceptable in a democracy.
At what point will the government take strong action against these pioneers of black economic empowerment? Should law-abiding citizens suffer because we do not want to apply measures that are reminiscent of the past? The government needs to do whatever it takes to root out criminals who are hindering our country's progress and threatening the lives of innocent civilians.
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