Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has offered a R100 000 reward for information on taxi violence that claimed the lives of a taxi driver and grade 8 learner in Atlantis on Wednesday.
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In a heartrending incident that has ignited outrage across Atlantis, a 14-year-old learner and a taxi driver were brutally murdered just outside Atlantis Secondary School. As the community grapples with the devastating impact of ongoing taxi-related violence, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced a reward of up to R100 000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. This shocking event marks yet another escalation in the violent disputes within the taxi industry, which have plagued the area for months.
Mayor Hill-Lewis expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, stating: “We stand with the peace-loving residents of Atlantis who should not have to suffer because of the internal fights between taxi bosses.” The tragic loss of a young life, he added, is a burden that weighs heavily on the community. He urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising that tips can be submitted anonymously.
The scene outside the school yesterday was one of chaos and mourning as police confirmed that a gunman approached the taxi driver while he was waiting to load children, resulting in the deaths of both the adult and the Grade 8 student. The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents and residents, prompting a formal petition calling for immediate and permanent police presence at local schools.
The petition, which has garnered the signatures of numerous concerned parents, educators, and residents, is set to be submitted today to the Atlantis South African Police Service (SAPS), the Community Policing Forum (CPF), and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
Community members are demanding:
One concerned parent vocalised the community's anguish: “Our children are terrified, and as parents, we cannot send them to school in good conscience without visible protection.” The petition, they argue, is a united call to action, demanding that authorities take swift measures to ensure safety before another life is lost.
The Western Cape Government has issued a strong condemnation of the taxi-related violence that led to this tragedy. “The loss of a learner under these circumstances is a profound tragedy,” stated Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku. He further stressed that no child should ever face danger while on their way to or from school and called for all parties involved in the taxi industry to resolve their disputes through lawful and peaceful means.
Minister Sileku reassured the community that the government is committed to working closely with law enforcement to not only bring those responsible to justice but also to ensure that the safety of commuters and youngsters remains paramount.
In a statement addressing the urgent need for action, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, offered the support of the City’s Safety and Security Investigations Unit. He issued a clarion call to the community of Atlantis to assist in bringing criminal elements to justice through anonymous tip-offs.
The city of Cape Town is committed to finalising amendments to the Traffic By-law to act more decisively against vehicles and operations that contribute to the ongoing violence. The people of Atlantis deserve to live in peace and security, free from the fear that such brutality induces.
For those with information, please call the 24/7 crime hotline at 0800 00 6992.