City increases Somerset West deployment amidst taxi tension
09 June 2025
The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate has increased its staffing numbers in Somerset West to help maintain calm, amid an increase in tensions between taxi organisations.
‘We have deployed more officers across the various departments amidst the rising tension between the two biggest taxi organisations. Our priority is to keep commuters safe and assist the South African Police Service in maintaining order. Road users and commuters are advised to take note of road closures and avoid the area where possible,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The City’s Traffic Service has effected road closures in Somerset West this morning, due to taxis blockading some of the routes in the vicinity of the Public Transport Interchange.
'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,' added Alderman Smith.
In regular enforcement efforts over the past week, the City's agencies arrested 216 suspects and issued 35 326 fines for various transgressions.
Metro Police officers arrested 39 suspects and issued 2 204 fines.
In Atlantis yesterday, Sunday, 8 June, officers joined SAPS in executing a search warrant in Dorah Street in search of firearms and drugs, when they found a tik stash.
The search was executed just after 13:00 - a man on the premises was found with more than R1 500 in cash. Officers then made their way onto the roof and found a white cooler bag containing 149 sachets of tik, with an estimated street value of R4 470.
Upon further questioning, the suspect admitted to selling the tik. He was arrested and detained at Atlantis SAPS.
Down on the roads, traffic officers arrested 35 suspects, including 20 motorists for driving under the influence. They also recorded 26 690 offences, executed 1 255 warrants of arrest and impounded 200 public transport vehicles.
Law enforcement officers arrested 142 suspects and issued 6 433 notices during weekly patrols.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 508 incidents this weekend, of which 89 were assault-related cases and 49 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
Residents are reminded to report any criminal activity or emergency by contacting the PECC on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
Captions: The tik and money confiscated at an Atlantis home.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
