Two people were killed and four others injured when gunmen opened fire at a taxi rank in Philippi East on Monday morning, 25 August 2025.
Shooting at Philippi East taxi rank leaves two dead
The attack happened at about 07:30 on Ngqwangi Drive when unknown armed men shot six people between the ages of 35 and 43.
According to the SAPS spokesperson Lt Col Malcolm Pojie, one victim died at the scene while another died later in hospital.
Four others, including three taxi drivers and one passenger, were rushed to hospital. Police confirmed that three of the drivers were in a critical condition, while the passenger was reported to be stable.
Philippi East police have opened two murder cases and four attempted murder cases.
Just two hours before the Philippi East shooting, another attack took place in Khayelitsha. At around 05:40, two armed men approached the Vuyani taxi rank on the corner of Japhtha K Masemola Drive and Spine Road.
They opened fire, killing a taxi driver and wounding two others. The injured drivers were taken to hospital for treatment.
Khayelitsha SAPS opened one case of murder and two of attempted murder. Police say both incidents are believed to be linked to ongoing taxi-related conflict.
The SAPS Provincial Detectives Serious and Violent Crimes Taxi Unit has taken over the investigation into both shootings. Authorities said the suspects fled the scenes in an unknown getaway vehicle and are still at large.
Police have appealed to the public for help in tracking down the suspects.
“We appeal to anyone with information which could lead to the arrest of the suspects to please contact authorities,” a SAPS statement read.
When asked if the Philippi East shooting is part of the ongoing taxi violence crisis in Cape Town, SAPS did not directly answer. Questions about whether extra policing measures are being implemented in the township, where Democratic Alliance MPs were attacked last week, also went unanswered.
Taxi violence in the Western Cape
Taxi violence refers to deadly disputes between rival taxi associations or operators over routes, passengers, and control of ranks.
These disputes often turn violent, with targeted killings of taxi drivers, owners, and sometimes passengers.
The shootings in Philippi East and Khayelitsha come less than three weeks after the killing of 59-year-old taxi owner Julia Alam outside Whale Coast Mall in Hermanus on 7 August 2025.
Alam, a well-known businesswoman in the local taxi industry, was gunned down by three men. Police believe her killing was also linked to taxi industry conflicts.
A 37-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with her murder and is currently in the midst of a bail application at the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court.
