Internal Rift Rocks Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association as Leaders Accuse Member of R13 Million Extortion and Targeted Killings

CATA taxi association calls for the arrest of a rogue member accused of a violent campaign, R13 million extortion, and torching nine taxis at Nyanga rank.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 8:49 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EWN

Escalating Violence Within the Seawinds Taxi Branch

The Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) is currently grappling with a severe internal crisis as leaders point to one of their own members as the architect of a recent wave of violence. The association alleges that a high-ranking operator from the Seawinds branch has been orchestrating targeted attacks against drivers and minibus taxis, leading to a state of fear within the organization. This internal friction reached a breaking point following the destruction of nine vehicles, which were set ablaze at the Nyanga taxi rank. CATA officials have expressed deep concern over the safety of their members, noting that the violence has claimed the lives of several drivers, including women, over the past few months.

Allegations of Systematic Multimillion-Rand Extortion

Beyond the physical violence, the accused operator is facing staggering allegations of financial misconduct. CATA leaders claim that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, this individual has extorted more than R13 million from fellow Seawinds operators. This alleged "hostage" situation has left many members financially crippled and fearful for their livelihoods. According to CATA secretary Nkululeko Sityebi, the association has reached a point where the local region feels it must challenge the lack of progress on legal cases already opened against the rogue member. The scale of the alleged extortion suggests a deep-seated criminal enterprise operating under the guise of taxi association membership.

Protests and Temporary Disruption at Nyanga Rank

In a bid to force a response from law enforcement, taxi operators affiliated with CATA temporarily halted services at the Nyanga rank earlier on Monday. The operators marched to a nearby police station to demand the immediate arrest of the individual linked to the killings and the torching of their vehicles. The protest highlighted the growing frustration within the industry over what members perceive as a delayed and inadequate response from the South African Police Service (SAPS). While commuters faced significant delays during the morning peak, the association has since resumed services and issued an apology for the unavoidable disruption caused by their call for justice.