The Eastern Cape Department of Safety and Liaison has revealed that about 30 people were killed in ongoing taxi violence in the past eight months.
MEC Weziwe Tikana provided an update on Thursday on government interventions in the taxi violence affecting parts of the O.R. Tambo District Municipality in Mthatha.
"The violence which erupted a month ago, saw about 30 people killed and left some injured in violence," the Provincial Ministry said.
Addressing the media Thursday, MEC Tikana said the violence prompted government to close a number of affected ranks and public transport routes in accordance with the provisions of section 91 of the National Land Transport Act.
Tikana said this affected industry players and commuters using the routes between Mthatha, Port St Johns, Libode, Ngqeleni and Lusikisiki.
She added that her department was currently preparing to sign the Memorandum of Understanding which will bind all parties involved.
"All the route permits should be complied with. Whoever is holding a permit must utilise the route for which the permit was issued," said MEC Tikana.
She said anyone not complying with the conditions of their permits "will have their vehicles impounded and permits revoked".
Police have arrested several people in connection with recent violence at Ntlaza taxi rank at Nqeleni which left two people dead and about eight injured.
"We have to have continuous engagements. We need to make them (taxi operators) understand that ranks belong to Municipalities," Tikana said.
