Western Cape police say detectives attached to the provincial taxi violence unit have arrested three suspects in a string of recent attacks that have rattled parts of Cape Town and the Overberg. The arrests follow shootings that killed taxi owners at ranks in Hermanus and Epping, and a petrol-bomb attack on the home of a taxi association chairperson in Retreat.
Arrests in Overberg and Cape Town
Brigadier Novela Potelwa, a provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that the tracing team travelled to the Overberg on Saturday, arresting two men in connection with the September shooting at the Zwelihle taxi rank in Hermanus. That attack resulted in the deaths of two taxi owners and injuries to a taxi driver; reports indicate up to six gunmen were involved.
The two suspects, aged 28 and 36, are expected to appear in the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court on 26 October 2026 on charges including murder and attempted murder.
In a separate probe, police also detained a 29-year-old suspect in Kensington in connection with a petrol-bomb attack on 30 September 2026 at the home of a taxi association chairperson in Retreat. That suspect is due to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on 26 October.
Ongoing Epping investigation and police response
Potelwa said detectives are continuing their work on the shooting at the Epping taxi rank on 16 October 2026, which left two taxi owners dead and another person injured. Two suspects were arrested on the day of that shooting, she added.
Police deployments have been reinforced at identified taxi-conflict hotspots while detectives pursue outstanding leads, Potelwa said. The Western Cape’s dedicated tasking shows a focus on both reactive arrests and preventative presence at ranks and routes where violence has occurred.
- Hermanus (Zwelihle taxi rank) — shooting in September 2026; two taxi owners killed, one injured; two suspects (28 & 36) arrested.
- Retreat — petrol-bomb attack on a taxi association chairperson’s home on 30 September 2026; one 29-year-old arrested in Kensington.
- Epping taxi rank — shooting on 16 October 2026; two taxi owners killed, one injured; two suspects arrested on the day.
| Incident | Date | Casualties | Arrests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zwelihle, Hermanus | September 2026 | 2 killed, 1 injured | 2 suspects (28, 36) |
| Retreat (home attack) | 30 September 2026 | No fatalities reported | 1 suspect (29) |
| Epping taxi rank | 16 October 2026 | 2 killed, 1 injured | 2 suspects (arrested on day) |
Impact on communities and the taxi industry
Tensions within the minibus-taxi sector have for years been a flashpoint in parts of the Western Cape, affecting commuters who rely on ranks and routes for daily travel. Violence at ranks disrupts services, undermines traders and businesses near taxi hubs and heightens public safety fears in surrounding residential areas.
Police said their work aims to stabilise identified hotspots and bring perpetrators to court. Detectives have been reassigned and overt patrols increased at certain ranks to deter further attacks and reassure commuters. The arrests form part of a broader, ongoing effort by law enforcement to address organised violence linked to taxi conflicts.
What comes next
The suspects arrested in Hermanus and Kensington are scheduled to appear in magistrates’ courts on 26 October 2026. Investigations remain active and police encouraged anyone with information to come forward through the Crime Stop number or at local stations.
For residents and commuters: continue using registered taxi services where possible, note alternative public-transport options when ranks are affected, and report suspicious activity to SAPS to assist detectives working to curb the violence.
As courts prepare to hear the matters, the province faces the immediate task of reducing the cycle of reprisals that has claimed lives and damaged livelihoods. The arrests mark progress in specific cases; authorities and industry stakeholders will be judged on whether those leads translate into longer-term calm at ranks and safer roads for passengers and drivers alike.
