On the night of February 9, 2025, a violent arson attack at the Nyanga Taxi Rank in the Western Cape left three minibus taxis completely destroyed and 13 others severely damaged. The fire has sparked widespread outrage, with many locals blaming taxi bosses for the ongoing violence in the area. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an investigation into the incident, but no arrests have been made yet.
The incident is seen as another chapter in the long-standing tensions between rival taxi factions, which have plagued the Western Cape for years. Just a month earlier, on January 14, a deadly shootout at the same rank resulted in one fatality, further raising concerns about the safety and governance of the area’s public transport sector. Despite the damage, the taxi rank remains operational.
South Africans have expressed frustration with the apparent lack of accountability from taxi bosses, who many believe are fueling these violent incidents. Calls for more stringent action and regulation have flooded social media, with citizens urging authorities to take a firmer stand against the perpetrators. Some critics argue that the greed of taxi bosses, competing for control over routes, is the root cause of the violence.
The arson attack and its aftermath have left many feeling unsafe and vulnerable. As the investigation continues, the hope remains that those responsible will be brought to justice, and that meaningful reforms will be put in place to prevent further incidents of violence at the Nyanga Taxi Rank and throughout the Western Cape.
