Western Cape Education Minister Debbie Schäfer has appealed to warring taxi factions to stop the ongoing violence ahead of the reopening of schools tomorrow.

More than 20 people have been shot dead and scores of others wounded over the past two weeks in clashes between taxi organisations CATA and CODETA.

Schaffer says parents should be aware that the route between Paarl and Bellville has been closed for two months from tomorrow, affecting the availability of transport.

“I urge parents and schools to keep up to date with the details of any disruptions as well as the details of alternative transport arrangements by checking the Department of Transport and Public Works’ website. Please report any suspicious activities at or near schools to SAPS or the Safe Schools hotline 0800 45 46 47 immediately.”

Buses to be deployed in affected routes

The Western Cape Transport Ministry says extra Golden Arrow buses will be deployed to transport commuters following the closure of the Bellville to Paarl taxi route.

The route was closed by the provincial Tranport Minister, Daylin Mitchell, for two months, due to a spike in taxi-related violence.

At least 24 people have been killed and 29 others wounded is disputes between Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA).

Mitchell, says commuters will also be able to use existing Metrorail train services between the two areas from Monday. Arbitration between the two rival associations is expected to take place next week in attempt to resolve the impasse.

Request for more soldiers to quell ongoing taxi violence in Western Cape

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he will officially request for the deployment of more soldiers to quell ongoing taxi violence in the province.

More than 20 people have been killed in the recent conflict between rival groups – the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA).

Winde says the army was deployed last week in response to unrest but he will ask the national government that more soldiers be sent.