Chris Gilili|Published
Two people were shot dead in Maitland on Thursday afternoon, hours after two others were killed at a Delft taxi rank, in a day of violence that left four people dead and two injured.
Western Cape police believe both shootings were related to taxi violence. No arrests had been made in the Maitland case, and investigations were continuing.
The shootings follow the killing of two taxi owners in an ambush in Epping last Friday, October 16.
Two killed in Maitland shooting
The Maitland shooting happened shortly after noon on Thursday, October 22. Two people were killed and a third was rushed to hospital.
Police confirmed that two counts of murder and an attempted murder case had been opened.
“The motive is believed to be taxi-violence related. No arrest has been made yet and investigations continue,” police said.
Double murder at Delft taxi rank
The Maitland shooting was the second fatal shooting incident reported in Cape Town on Thursday.
During the early hours of the morning, two men were shot dead at Palm Taxi Rank in Delft, while another person was injured and taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said crime scene experts were at the taxi rank investigating the shooting.
“Two males were shot and fatally wounded and another was injured. The injured victim was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Delft police registered two counts of murder and an attempted murder for investigation,” van Wyk said.
Police also believe the Delft shooting was related to taxi violence.
The chairperson of CODETA, Nceba Enge, said he could not comment on the incident at the time.
CATA chairperson Nkululeko Sityebi said the association was also unable to comment on the circumstances surrounding the latest shootings.
“We don't want to assume. In the past we have contradicted ourselves by saying things are this way only to discover later, it's not the case. So the association cannot comment right now,” Sityebi told IOL Media.
SANTACO condemns violence
The latest shootings follow the killing of two taxi owners in an ambush on Fisher Avenue in Epping on Friday, October 16.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) condemned the violence, with spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana expressing concern over the incidents in Delft and Maitland.
“The Council is particularly disturbed by the incidents reported in Delft and Maitland on Thursday, 22 October 2026, which reportedly claimed four lives and left two people injured,” Tumana said.
He said the incidents highlighted the urgent need to strengthen safety and security measures to protect commuters, taxi operators, residents and communities affected by violence.
“Violence has no place in the minibus taxi industry or in the communities we serve. No commuter, operator or member of the public should have to fear for their safety while travelling, working or going about their daily activities,” he said.
Tumana said SANTACO Western Cape remained committed to working with law enforcement authorities, government and other stakeholders to strengthen safety and address violence.
The council called on law enforcement authorities to prioritise thorough investigations and ensure those responsible were brought to justice.
It also urged taxi industry stakeholders to exercise restraint, reject violence and support lawful processes to resolve disputes and maintain stability within the industry.