Three people have been shot and killed in separate taxi-related shooting incidents in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, as tensions within the Western Cape’s taxi industry continue to escalate. The latest killings have raised renewed concerns about commuter safety and the ongoing conflict between rival taxi associations.
The shootings took place on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, with police confirming that the incidents are believed to be linked to taxi-related violence. Two men aged 35 and 36 were killed in one incident, while another taxi driver was fatally shot at his home in a separate attack.
Two Men Killed In Khayelitsha Shooting
According to police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana, the first incident left two men dead and another man seriously injured.
The two victims, aged 35 and 36, were shot multiple times and died at the scene. A third man, also aged 35, sustained serious gunshot wounds and was rushed to the nearest medical facility in a private vehicle for treatment.
Khayelitsha police have opened two murder cases and one attempted murder case as investigations continue.
Authorities believe the shooting was connected to the ongoing taxi industry conflict in the area. No arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
Taxi Driver Shot Dead At His Home
In a separate incident, a 39-year-old taxi driver was shot and killed inside his residence on Ntlazane Road in Harare, Khayelitsha.
Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala confirmed that the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.
His wife was also wounded during the attack, suffering a gunshot injury to her left arm. She was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
The South African Police Service’s Taxi Violence Unit is investigating the incident, with the motive believed to be related to the ongoing conflict within the taxi industry. The suspects had not yet been arrested.
Santaco Calls For Calm Amid Escalating Violence
The latest killings have occurred despite efforts by taxi industry representatives and authorities to resolve tensions between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA).
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape has expressed concern over the continued shootings and appealed to rival operators to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than violence.
SANTACO spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana said commuters and taxi drivers were among those suffering the most as the conflict continues.
The organisation has also highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, particularly as negotiations and legal processes aimed at addressing the dispute continue.
A five-hour meeting between the affected parties and authorities reportedly resulted in an agreement that only taxis with valid operating permits should service the affected routes between Delft and Mutual, as well as Delft and Epping.
An interim court interdict is also in place, prohibiting violence and other illegal activities connected to the dispute. A further court date is expected on 20 November 2026.
Commuters And Communities Caught In The Crossfire
The ongoing taxi violence has created fear among residents and commuters who depend on minibus taxis for their daily transport.
Beyond the loss of lives, the shootings threaten the livelihoods of taxi operators, passengers and businesses that rely on reliable public transport services.
The latest incidents have once again highlighted the urgent need for lasting solutions to disputes within the taxi industry, with communities continuing to bear the consequences of the violence.
Police investigations into the shootings remain ongoing, and authorities are yet to announce arrests in connection with the three deaths.
Main image: SABC news
