Commuters in Steenberg and Retreat were left stranded on Monday after taxi operations were halted during a protest by operators in the area. The action disrupted transport services as taxi associations marched to hand over a memorandum of demands linked to safety and policing.

Road closures were reported along Prince George Drive and Military Road, with motorists urged to use alternative routes until the roads reopened at around 9am. The disruption added pressure to the morning commute in already affected communities.

Operators Say Gangs are Targeting Drivers

A representative from a taxi association said operators were facing ongoing intimidation and violence from gangs. According to the source report, drivers and vehicles have allegedly been hijacked, assaulted and used in criminal activity under threat of violence.

The representative also claimed gangs were extorting operators and forcing taxis to transport them to courts and funerals without payment. He said these demands were carried out at gunpoint, leaving drivers with little choice but to comply.

The same representative said appeals had been made to multiple government departments, but that operators had been sent from one office to another without meaningful intervention.

Police Asked to Increase Visibility

Community policing structures confirmed that taxi associations gathered peacefully and handed their memorandum to the station commander at Muizenberg SAPS. The memorandum raised concern over violence and criminal activity affecting taxi operations in Seawinds, Overcome Heights and Vrygrond.

The associations asked for a stronger and more visible police presence from as early as 4am, especially during the first taxi shift of the day. They argued that better visibility would help protect drivers, commuters and the broader public.

According to reports, the station commander acknowledged the request and said it was not unreasonable. Muizenberg SAPS indicated that it would try to increase blue-light visibility during early morning shifts by allocating extra operational resources where possible.

The protest shows how deeply gang violence is affecting daily life on the Cape Flats. For many residents, taxis are not optional. They are the main way to get to work, school and essential services. Until safety improves, both drivers and commuters remain exposed.