City of Cape Town boosts police in Somerset West as taxi association tensions simmer! The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has boosted its policing deployment in Somerset West, where tensions between two taxi associations are simmering.
Mini-bus taxis blockaded routes in Somerset West on Monday morning, prompting the city to effect road closures in the area.
Traffic officials said the roads had been reopened, but more officers were deployed to the area to curb rising tension between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA).
Police in Somerset West
Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said traffic and metro police officers were on high alert in Somerset West as tensions between CATA and CODETA rise.
This follows the killing of a CATA taxi owner in Lwandle, Strand, on Saturday.
Smith said a mass shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank on Friday last week could be related to a disagreement about a taxi route from Mfuleni to Somerset West.
“We are hopeful that the issues can be resolved amicably and that no further harm comes to anyone. That said, our staff will not hesitate to act if need be to ensure public safety.”
Smith has advised road users and commuters to avoid the Somerset West area where possible.
In other news – Content creator Miss Foodie spoils herself with a new car – PICS
Content creator and singer, Surprise Molebala has spoiled herself with a new car. The 35-year-old, who is popularly known as Miss Foodie, from Desmond Park outside Senwabarwana, Limpopo, bought a Haval Jolion Super Luxury in May 2025, which is her first car.
She said this was a way to thank herself for working hard over the years. “It feels good to have my own car. I believe I have worked hard and deserve it and it will make my life easier as I’m always busy,” she said. Read More
