Two people were killed and two others injured in a shooting at the Macassar taxi rank in Cape Town on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.
Deadly shooting at Macassar taxi rank
The attack took place in the early hours of the morning at the Mandela Drive taxi pickup point in Macassar Heights.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-General Malcolm Pojie, unknown gunmen approached the taxi area and opened fire, killing two men believed to be taxi drivers. Two bystanders were also hit in the crossfire and taken to hospital for treatment.
“Provincial Detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes, Taxi Unit are probing the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident which claimed the lives of two men and left two bystanders injured,” Pojie said.
Macassar SAPS have registered two murder cases and two attempted murder cases.
Police said the attackers fled the scene in a getaway vehicle that has not yet been identified. No arrests have been made.
“We appeal to anyone with information which could lead to the arrest of the suspects to please contact Detective Captain Lukhunyo Magadla on 082 411 3245 or alternatively Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS mobile application anonymously. All information will be dealt with confidentially,” Pojie added.
Linked to taxi violence in Cape Town
The motive for the Macassar taxi rank shooting is believed to be linked to ongoing taxi violence. Taxi violence refers to deadly disputes between rival taxi associations or operators over routes, passengers, and control of busy ranks.
These disputes often result in attacks on taxi drivers, owners, and sometimes passengers or bystanders.
The incident in Macassar is the latest in a string of taxi-related shootings across Cape Town this week.
On Monday, 25 August 2025, two people were killed and four others wounded when gunmen opened fire at the Philippi East taxi rank on Ngqwangi Drive. Police confirmed that the victims included three taxi drivers and one passenger.
Just hours before that attack, two armed men opened fire at the Vuyani taxi rank in Khayelitsha. One taxi driver was killed and two others were seriously injured.
In both cases, suspects fled in unknown vehicles and no arrests have been made. Police believe these shootings, like the Macassar attack, are related to ongoing disputes within the taxi industry.
The recent shootings follow the killing of 59-year-old taxi owner Julia Alam earlier this month. Alam, who was a well-known businesswoman in Hermanus, was shot multiple times outside Whale Coast Mall on 7 August 2025. Police believe her murder was also linked to taxi industry conflicts.
A 37-year-old suspect has since been arrested in connection with her murder and is currently before the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court.
