Two men aged 45 and 46 were shot dead in Fisher Avenue, Epping, on Friday morning, 16 October 2026, in a taxi-related shooting believed to involve a dispute over a R150 fine. Western Cape police arrested two suspects, aged 27 and 31, who face two counts of murder and are set to appear in Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 October.
According to police, the victims were travelling in a sedan when a Toyota Quantum allegedly blocked their vehicle and seven men opened fire. Investigators recovered several spent cartridges at the scene. The shooting occurred around 06:00 in Epping 1, escalating fears of renewed taxi violence in the area.
Nceba Enge, a Codeta representative, said the victims were taxi owners belonging to Codeta and that the shooting may be linked to a fine imposed after Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) vehicles were found loading passengers in an unauthorized area. Members from Cata just decided to load from Epping to Delft. This was tried to be stopped by our members. A few days ago… a fine of R150 was imposed,” Enge explained.
Enge added that a warning was issued stating the R150 fine should be returned to Cata or “else we will face other circumstances,” though he could not confirm if this referred to the shooting.
Brigadier Novela Potelwa said police are making targeted efforts to tackle taxi-related violence, which continues to flare intermittently across the Western Cape. “Two suspects are expected to appear in court following their arrest in connection with the murder of two taxi owners on Friday in Epping,” she said during a media briefing.
Taxi violence has long plagued parts of Cape Town, with clashes often erupting over territory, routes, and fines. This incident adds to ongoing concerns about safety in transport hubs, particularly for taxi operators and commuters in Epping and surrounding areas. Police investigations remain underway, and further arrests are possible as inquiries continue.
The exact connections between the dispute, the attackers, and the fine remain under investigation. Multiple news outlets, including IOL, EWN, and Cape Town Etc, reported on the incident and arrests. Police are yet to confirm full motive details.
Cape Flats News will update readers as the suspects appear in court and as more information becomes available from law enforcement sources.