STATEMENT BY THE CITY’S MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT, COUNCILLOR ROB QUINTAS

Last night I was informed of the alleged assassination of Mr Mzoxolo Cecil Dibela, a longstanding leader from the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta).

This is most distressing and devastating news, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in the minibus-taxi industry.

I also want to condemn this brutality in the strongest possible terms as this alleged hit may lead to renewed conflict between the minibus-taxi associations that operate across Cape Town. We are extremely concerned about the danger and disruption this may pose to commuters, operators, and all of those involved in the industry.

I am pleading with all parties to remain calm, and to work together for the benefit of our commuters and those employed by the industry. I will be calling for a meeting between Codeta, the Mayor and the Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works to see how we can assist.

The alleged hit on Mr Dibela is also devastating for the resumption of the MyCiTi N2 Express service between Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha and the Cape Town CBD. The operating contract with the N2 Company was to be signed this week.

Due to this tragic event, we are now faced with huge uncertainty about the signing of this operating contract and the future of the N2 Express service.

I am urging the South African Police Service to act swiftly and to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing. I also want to plead with anyone with information to contact the SAPS.

In the meantime, I can confirm that the City will add additional visibility and resources for the monitoring of the minibus-taxi routes across the city.

Source: City Of Cape Town