Wednesday, 28 October 2026; The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Western Cape calls on the state and law enforcement agencies to urgently assert their authority in response to the ongoing shootings at minibus taxi ranks. These acts of violence endanger the lives of commuters, workers, taxi operators and communities, while undermining public safety and confidence in the public transport system.

The reported shootings in Delft today, as depicted in visuals circulating on social media, must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The police must urgently investigate the incident, identify and arrest those responsible, and ensure that they face the full might of the law. We further expect the City of Cape Town’s CCTV surveillance network, where relevant footage is available, to assist the police in gathering evidence and advancing their investigations.

Those responsible for these shootings must be identified, exposed, arrested and brought to justice. There can be no tolerance for lawlessness, intimidation or the use of firearms to settle disputes within the minibus taxi industry. The state must act decisively to prevent further loss of life, protect commuters and restore public confidence in the safety of our transport facilities.

The SACP further calls on minibus taxi associations and their leadership to take a clear and unequivocal stand against individuals who resort to gun violence, as well as all other forms of violence. Associations must cooperate fully with law-enforcement agencies, assist in identifying those responsible for these criminal acts, and take steps to isolate individuals who use violence and intimidation to advance their interests. Disputes within the industry must be resolved through lawful and peaceful processes.

The lives of commuters, workers and members of the public cannot be held hostage by gun violence. The minibus taxi industry plays a critical role in transporting millions of people and sustaining the livelihoods of many working-class families. Its essential role in our public transport system must not be undermined by criminality, intimidation and the reckless use of firearms.

The SACP in the Western Cape therefore calls for decisive state intervention, thorough and effective investigations, and accountability for all those involved in these shootings. The state must demonstrate through concrete action that no individual or group is above the law.

The protection of human life, the safety of commuters and the security of our communities must remain paramount.

ISSUED BY:

South African Communist Party - Western Cape

FOR ENQUIRIES:

Benson Ngqentsu - Provincial Secretary
082 796 6400

Lizwi Gegula - Provincial Spokesperson
078 8272 2274

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
 
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID
 
Mhlekwa Nxumalo, Acting National Spokesperson
____________________________________________________
FOR INTERVIEW ARRANGEMENTS, MEDIA LIAISON & CIRCULATION SERVICES
Pius Vilakati
Communications & Acting Media Liaison Officer
Mobile: +27 66 4734819
+27 81 353 3383
____________________________________
OFFICE & OTHER CONTACT DETAILS
Office: +2711 339 3621/2
Website: www.sacp.org.za
Facebook Page: South African Communist Party
Twitter: SACP1921
__________________________________________
WELCOME TO THE SACP DONATION PAGE: https://donate.sacp.org.za/. PLEASE MAKE A CLEAN DONATION.