Vrygrond, a township in Muizenberg, has become a warzone as tensions escalate between taxi operators and local gangs, with innocent residents caught in the crossfire. The community, once considered relatively peaceful, is now plagued by violent shootouts and growing fear due to a battle over control of protection fees — a form of extortion imposed on businesses and transport operators.
According to community members, the violence stems from ongoing disputes between gangs and members of the taxi industry over who controls the illegal collection of “protection fees” from local businesses and commuters. A local leader, who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, explained that taxi owners are allegedly attempting to drive gangs out of the area in order to take over extortion operations themselves.
“The taxi owner who was recently shot in court was believed to be involved in collecting these fees. A gang was previously handling collections in this area, but the taxi industry has been pushing them out, which has created chaos,” the leader said. “Innocent people are dying as a result.”
The conflict has already led to multiple deaths. On 24 November 2024, a suspected gang member was allegedly killed by taxi operators. In retaliation, a taxi driver was murdered on 1 December. Just days later, in an attack on a taxi, a 16-year-old was fatally shot — prompting a temporary halt to taxi services in the area in December.
The ongoing violence has caused deep fear among residents. One woman shared her distress about the situation, saying she no longer feels safe sending her children to the nearby spaza shop or allowing them to walk to school.
“This used to be a peaceful area where we could walk freely. Now, I’m scared every time I hear gunshots. Our children aren’t safe anymore,” she said.
Police efforts to contain the violence have had some success. Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed that during patrols on Tuesday, 8 April, members of Operation Shanela arrested an armed suspect at a taxi rank in Vrygrond. Officers noticed the man acting suspiciously and found a 9mm Norinco pistol and ammunition in his possession. The suspect failed to produce a firearm license or competency certificate and was arrested.
Despite the police presence, community leaders and organizations are calling for stronger intervention. The Vrygrond Taxi Association expressed concern over the increasing danger posed to innocent civilians and condemned the targeting of women and children.
“It is heartbreaking that ordinary people are being killed in this fight. We strongly denounce any violence, especially against those who have nothing to do with this conflict,” the association stated. “We send our condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones.”
As the violence continues, Vrygrond residents remain trapped in a climate of fear, hoping for peace and protection from a war that has nothing to do with them — yet threatens every aspect of their daily lives.