Cata deputy chairperson shot dead amid escalating taxi violence

The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association’s (Cata) first deputy chairperson became the latest casualty in the ongoing taxi conflict gripping the province.

Mnikeli Mgope, 61, was shot dead on Wednesday night while sitting inside his white Toyota Fortuner at the Nyanga taxi rank.

The killing comes amid renewed violence over the disputed Somerset West–Khayelitsha route between Cata and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta).

Although the two rival associations signed a peace agreement in June, tensions reignited soon afterwards, leaving more than 10 taxi owners and drivers dead. Mgope had been operating in the Wynberg area.

Cata spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi explained that Mgope was preparing to go when unknown men attacked him.

“He was alone when he was killed. We don't know the reason he was murdered. And we can confirm that he was the deputy chairman of the region and was operating in the Wynberg area.”

Moments after Mgope’s killing, two other taxi-related shootings were reported in Nyanga. Two men were attacked while sitting inside a vehicle in Amsterdam Road, Brown’s Farm.

A 42-year-old man was fatally wounded, while a 34-year-old man was rushed to hospital.

“The two who were shot were from our Sea-Water Route; they were taxi owners.

"We would like to ask our members to remain calm as the police investigate these murders.”

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed the incidents.

“The circumstances surrounding the shooting incident on Wednesday night, September 10, 2025, at approximately 8:10pm at the Nyanga taxi rank, Sithandatu Avenue, where a 61-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded, are under investigation,” he said.

“According to reports, police members were busy with patrols when they heard gunshots going off. The members drove in the direction of the taxi rank, where they found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. The victim was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. The motive for the attack is believed to be taxi-related.”

Twigg said Nyanga police also opened murder and attempted murder dockets following the Amsterdam Road shooting at 8:20pm.

“Police members responded to a complaint of a shooting, and upon arrival on the scene, they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies. The 42-year-old victim was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victim was taken to a medical facility for treatment. The motive for the attack is believed to be taxi-related. The yet to be identified suspect/s are yet to be arrested,” he said.

Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.

Cape Times