Cape Town – A tragic mass shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank in the Western Cape claimed four lives early Friday morning, 6 June. The shooting occurred during the busy morning rush hour, causing panic among commuters and residents in the area.
The scene has since been cordoned off as police investigate the incident. Emergency services, including paramedics and forensic experts, arrived promptly after reports of gunfire were received just after 6am. The Mfuleni community has been left in shock, with concerned onlookers gathering near the crime scene as authorities conducted their work.
According to witnesses, the shooting erupted unexpectedly, sending people scrambling for safety.
“I was walking my child to school when I heard several gunshots from the direction of the taxi rank,” said local resident Phumeza Kali. “It continued for a few seconds. I immediately turned around and went back home. I’m just thankful we didn’t reach the taxi rank before it started.”
Another witness, a taxi owner who asked to remain anonymous, believes the incident was not random. “It feels like taxi operators are being targeted. This wasn’t a robbery. Someone came here with the intention to kill. We don’t know who is behind this, but it’s clear they’re aiming at us,” he said.
Brigadier Novela Potelwa, spokesperson for the South African Police Service, confirmed the fatalities. “This morning’s shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank has resulted in the deaths of four people, with three others injured. The details are still unfolding. We are gathering more information and will update the public as soon as possible.”
The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this stage. However, it is suspected that the incident may be linked to ongoing disputes within the taxi industry—a sector that has experienced several violent clashes in recent years, often over operating routes and territorial control.
The Cape Town taxi industry has long been plagued by violence, with many conflicts involving competition over profitable routes. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and urged anyone with information to come forward.
This incident follows a string of taxi-related shootings in the province and adds to growing concerns over commuter safety. Community leaders are calling on the government and police to intervene decisively to end the cycle of violence.
No arrests have been made as yet, and police have not released the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families.
As the investigation continues, residents remain fearful and unsure whether it is safe to return to the taxi rank. For now, public transport in the area remains disrupted.
Authorities are appealing to the public to remain calm while the investigation proceeds.