Codeta decries costly closure of taxi routes amid ongoing deadly disputes

THE Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) took its battle to have the 10 contentious taxi routes reopened to the Western Cape High Court yesterday, arguing that they were losing millions.

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

Commuters were also being robbed daily while forced to use Golden Arrow buses instead of taxis, according to the association's urgent application. Codeta is currently locked in a tense dispute with rival Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) over the routes.

It argued that the Western Cape Department of Mobility's decision to close the routes for 30 days, following deadly clashes between Codeta and Cata, was crippling its business and leaving commuters stranded.

The clashes over the Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Lwandle-Somerset West routes left six people dead.

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku attended the court as lawyers for Codeta presented their case.

He rejected their claims, saying there had been no official complaints about robberies or lateness at work due to the alternative transport provided.

"Instead of finding an amicable solution, they are wasting time in court," said Sileku.