Today's Labour News

News24 reports that tensions and internal conflicts within the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) are believed to be behind the torching of 14 minibus taxis, four buses, and a private vehicle at the Nyanga taxi rank on Sunday night.

Two additional taxis were set alight elsewhere in Nyanga over the weekend. Authorities believe an ongoing power struggle within CATA, reportedly driven by a bitter leadership dispute and financial conflicts, was at the heart of the violence. SA National Taxi Council Western Cape spokesperson Mandla Hermanus confirmed that all the affected vehicles belonged to a single association, CATA. "We have our suspicions because this association has been marred by problems for the last three years. There have been ongoing battles, and people have been killed in the process. This may be linked to previous incidents, and we are calling on the MEC and the police to assist in stopping the violence," he said. Last month, violence erupted at the same taxi rank when gunmen opened fire, killing one person and injuring seven others. Following the shooting, police confiscated 13 rifles and seven handguns and arrested 19 private security guards. The case is currently before the Wynberg Magistrate's Court. Authorities have deployed additional officers to the Nyanga rank. Anxiety among commuters is growing, with many speculating whether the attacks would escalate into a full-blown taxi war. Meanwhile, the taxi rank remains open for commuters.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Velani Ludidi at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
• Lees ook, Polisie op hoë gereedheidsgrondslag na taxi’s in Nyanga brand, by Maroela Media

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page