The Western Cape Provincial Government has released a stern condemnation following the rise in taxi-related violence in the Atlantis region. The tragic incident claimed the lives of a taxi operator and a 14-year-old learner, while two other students were injured in the attack. The provincial government extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the wider community, noting that the death of a child in such an untimely manner is an absolute tragedy that the state cannot ignore.
Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, released an outraged response to the tragic incident, stating that the violence is entirely unacceptable in the region. The Minister emphasized that no student in the country should ever face the threat of death or injury while attempting to access education. Minister Sileku further noted that the ongoing internal conflict within the taxi industry is putting the lives of innocent people at risk, thereby undermining the basic security of the taxi network, which serves as an essential lifeline for the people of Atlantis.
The provincial government is calling for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to order. Minister Sileku has urged all parties involved in the conflict to desist from aggression and to embrace peaceful mediation as a means of resolving their differences. To ensure public safety, the Ministry has called upon law enforcement agencies to take swift and decisive action to ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice promptly, in order to curb future lawlessness.
The impact of these hostilities is not limited to those killed; it has created a pervasive sense of fear among residents in the affected areas. The Western Cape Provincial Government reiterated its commitment to working closely with the judicial system and transport stakeholders to address the underlying causes of instability within the sector. The message is clear: the safety of commuters and learners is non-negotiable.
The government remains committed to creating a transport-friendly environment in which residents can move freely without fear. Community members, along with industry leaders, are called upon to assist the government in restoring order in Atlantis, as violence is never an option in a well-functioning society.
