‘Our Children Deserve Safety’: Western Cape Government Condemns Atlantis Taxi Shooting

The Western Cape Government has issued a strong condemnation of the taxi-related shooting in Atlantis that claimed the lives of a local businessman and a Grade 8 learner, and left two other learners injured.

The shooting occurred on Wednesday outside Atlantis Senior Secondary School in Palmer Avenuea place where children should be safe, learning and growing, not dodging bullets.

The Tragedy

Eugene Titus, a businessman and taxi operator, and a 14-year-old Grade 8 learner were killed when a suspect opened fire. Two other learners were wounded in the attack, which has sent shockwaves through the community.

Government Response

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku conveyed his condolences to the affected families and the broader Atlantis community, and wished the injured learners a speedy recovery.

“The Western Cape Government strongly condemns this act of violence. The loss of a learner under these circumstances is a profound tragedy,” Sileku said.

“It is unacceptable that our children continue to be exposed to danger as a result of the ongoing conflict within the taxi industry. The safety of commuters and learners is non-negotiable and must never be compromised by industry conflict.”

The Impact

Sileku emphasised that violence of this nature undermines community safety, disrupts education, and instils fear among residents.

“We call on all parties to refrain from violence and to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means. We also urge law enforcement agencies to act decisively to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice swiftly.”

A Call for Calm

The MEC said the Western Cape Government will continue to work closely with law enforcement, the judicial system, and relevant stakeholders to promote safe, reliable public transport and to address the root causes of taxi-related instability.

“Communities deserve to feel safe, and learners deserve to travel to school without fear. Violence has no place in our society. We call on all parties to resolve disputes through lawful, peaceful mediation rather than through acts of aggression that endanger the lives of innocent residents.”

The Bigger Picture

Taxi violence has plagued the Western Cape for years, with rival associations clashing over routes, ranks, and territory. But when the bullets fly outside a school gate, the conflict ceases to be an industry issueit becomes a community crisis.

A 14-year-old child is dead. Two more are injured. A businessman is gone. The government has spoken. Now, the question is whether the perpetrators will be caughtand whether the violence will finally stop.

{Source: IOL}

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