Nyanga Taxi Rank In Flames: 16 Taxis Set Alight Amid Rising Violence

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed additional officers to Nyanga taxi rank following a violent incident on Sunday evening, where 16 taxis were set alight.

Eyewitnesses saw flames engulfing multiple vehicles before authorities arrived. Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that three minibus taxis were completely destroyed, while 13 others suffered extensive damage.

A case of arson is under investigation, but no arrests have been made yet. The police presence will remain until stability is restored. Despite the incident, the Nyanga taxi rank remains open for commuters.

Ongoing Taxi Violence

The arson attack follows a January 14, 2025, shooting at the same taxi rank, believed to be linked to rival taxi associations. After the shooting, police recovered 13 rifles and seven handguns at the scene.

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One mini bus security guard was killed, while seven others sustained injuries. Nineteen security guards were questioned as part of the investigation, and 18 suspects have since appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court. Their case has been postponed to May.

Following the violence, a police task force, including intelligence operatives, the National Intervention Unit, K-9, the drone unit, and the provincial combat team, was deployed to monitor movements around the taxi rank.

Police Under Fire for Failing to Prevent Violence

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, condemned reports that SAPS senior management had prior knowledge of tensions at the rank but failed to act decisively.

Cameron stated that if these reports were true, SAPS should have implemented preventive measures before the shooting occurred. He stressed that while SAPS responded swiftly after the attack, intelligence-based policing is only effective if acted upon in time to prevent crime.

He added that the fact that the shooting happened in a busy transport hub raises concerns about the adequacy of SAPS’ preventative measures. The police committee has vowed to hold SAPS management accountable for their handling of the crisis.

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