Monday, 16th of February, 2026
Today’s Headlines
- Killarney taxi killing sparks fears of escalating route violence.
- Western Cape moves fast to shield farms from foot-and-mouth crisis.
- Stadium screen tender battle ignites transparency showdown.
- Digital licence testing launch promises faster results and less cheating.
- Dayimani’s homecoming brings fresh firepower to injury-hit Stormers.
- A cappella festival celebrates voices born in Cape Town’s taxi ranks.
- Hot, dry and windy Tuesday ahead with extreme UV warning.
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Killarney taxi killing sparks fears of escalating route violence.
A 39-year-old taxi business owner was shot and killed at the Killarney taxi rank in Table View on Friday afternoon in what police believe to be a taxi-related attack. Three other taxi business owners, aged between 30 and 43, were wounded during the incident and transported to hospital for emergency treatment. The shooting occurred at approximately 14:40 at the intersection of Koeberg and Blaauwberg Roads, an area that serves as a critical commuter link in the northern suburbs.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a murder case and three attempted murder cases have been opened. Officers responding to the scene found the victims with multiple gunshot wounds. The deceased was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel. The injured men were stabilised and remain under medical supervision.
Preliminary reports indicate that unknown suspects approached and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding suspects or potential motives beyond confirming that the attack is believed to be taxi-related. Investigators are examining whether the shooting is connected to ongoing tensions over routes, operating rights, or internal disputes.
This killing follows another fatal shooting earlier this week in Macassar, where a 36-year-old man was shot dead and three others wounded when gunmen fired at a minibus taxi. The proximity of the two incidents has heightened concern within segments of the taxi industry and among commuters who rely on the sector for daily transport.
CATA spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi confirmed that the victims in Killarney were taxi business owners rather than drivers. He described the attack as deeply troubling and extended condolences to the deceased’s family. He said that violence targeting any member of the taxi ecosystem — whether driver, marshal, committee member or owner — destabilises the entire system.
Taxi violence has historically flared in Cape Town during periods of operational tension, particularly when disputes over routes or leadership arise. While police have not declared a broader conflict, industry observers warn that repeated targeted attacks risk creating uncertainty and fear among operators and commuters alike.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stop or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously. Investigations are ongoing.
Source: Daily Voice – Marsha Dean
Western Cape accelerates vaccination drive amid national Foot-and-Mouth outbreak.
The Western Cape Government has vaccinated 450 cattle in Fisantekraal as part of an urgent containment strategy aimed at shielding the province from the national Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak. The vaccination initiative was overseen by Premier Alan Winde alongside National Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen and provincial counterparts Ivan Meyer and Anton Bredell.
Although no cases have been detected in the Fisantekraal herd, authorities have adopted a precautionary approach. The province expects to receive 200,000 vaccine doses in the coming weeks, with priority given to high-risk herds and regions vulnerable to livestock movement.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease poses significant risks to the agricultural economy, particularly export markets that rely on strict disease-free status. The livestock industry forms a key component of the Western Cape’s rural employment base and contributes substantially to national export earnings. An uncontrolled outbreak could disrupt trade, reduce farm income and threaten jobs across the value chain.
Under the Animal Diseases Act, Premier Winde has requested that physical livestock auctions move online for 21 days and that stricter permit controls be enforced for livestock transport. Vaccinated animals have been tagged to strengthen surveillance and traceability.
A 21-point response plan includes 24-hour border monitoring, veterinary response teams, quarantine management, cleaning operations, roadblocks across 13 municipalities, and heightened enforcement of biosecurity regulations. Farmers have been advised to isolate new livestock for 28 days, limit farm visitors and report symptoms immediately.
Minister Steenhuisen described the outbreak as a national emergency and warned that compliance with biosecurity protocols is essential to prevent economic fallout. The coordinated provincial response seeks to contain the disease before it affects broader market confidence.
Source: Cape Argus – Murray Swart
Cape Town stadium tender dispute intensifies scrutiny of procurement transparency.
A multimillion-rand contract for video display screens at Cape Town Stadium has drawn political scrutiny after allegations emerged that a lower-priced bidder was disqualified in favour of a higher-priced proposal valued at approximately R46 million. The unsuccessful bidder reportedly submitted a bid near R27 million.
The City of Cape Town has rejected allegations of fraud and corruption, stating that due process was followed. Chief Financial Officer Kevin Jacoby reaffirmed that the City’s procurement system is fair, transparent and compliant with legislation.
According to the City, the initial tender process was cancelled after no acceptable bids were received. During the second round, six bids were submitted, five were found non-responsive, and one bid met compliance requirements and was awarded the contract. An internal appeal in terms of Section 62 of the Municipal Systems Act was dismissed.
The GOOD Party has called for greater transparency and suggested that procurement adjudication processes be fully accessible for public observation. Secretary-General Brett Herron argued that open processes strengthen public confidence and deter maladministration.
Municipal procurement in South Africa remains a sensitive issue, particularly in large infrastructure and service contracts. Transparent processes are considered essential to maintaining trust in public institutions, especially where significant taxpayer funds are involved.
The City has indicated that unsuccessful bidders have the right to challenge decisions through legal channels if they believe irregularities occurred.
Source: IOL – Murray Swart
Computerised learner licence testing nears full digital rollout.
The City of Cape Town will implement its Computerised Learner’s Licence Testing system across all 18 Driving Licence Testing Centres from next week, marking the final phase of a modernisation project that began last year.
The transition replaces traditional paper-based exams with touchscreen testing platforms. Candidates will complete computer-generated tests and receive immediate results, significantly reducing waiting periods associated with manual marking.
The system incorporates fingerprint verification for identity confirmation and uses randomised question pools to minimise opportunities for cheating. Officials state that the platform enhances both efficiency and integrity.
The digital system supports all 11 official languages and includes accessibility features for hearing-impaired applicants, eliminating the need for interpreters. A built-in demo mode allows candidates to familiarise themselves with the interface before beginning their official test.
Authorities say the system includes backup functionality to maintain operations during power interruptions. Booking procedures remain unchanged, and applicants can continue scheduling appointments through existing channels.
The rollout forms part of a broader shift toward digitised public services within municipal administration.
Source: Cape Etc – Staff Reporter
Dayimani returns to Stormers in timely boost for injury-hit squad.
Hacjivah Dayimani has rejoined the Stormers on a short-term deal that runs until the end of the current season. The loose forward previously played a pivotal role in the team that secured the inaugural United Rugby Championship title.
After two seasons in France’s Top 14, Dayimani returns with added experience and tactical maturity. His ability to operate across multiple forward positions provides valuable depth at a time when the Stormers are managing injuries to key players including Ruan Ackermann, Salmaan Moerat and Ruben van Heerden.
Director of Rugby John Dobson described the signing as a significant boost. Dayimani has earned 57 caps for the franchise and is known for his evasive running, defensive intensity and aerial presence in line-outs.
With the latter stages of the campaign approaching, squad depth and adaptability will be crucial. Supporters are expected to welcome his return, particularly given his previous contributions during the championship-winning season.
Source: DHL Stormers – Official Statement
A Cappella Music Festival returns to Artscape stage.
The A Cappella Music Festival will take place at the Artscape Theatre Centre on 21 February from 13:00 to 18:00, showcasing vocal artistry rooted in Cape Town’s vibrant music culture.
Inspired by the daily harmony groups that perform at taxi ranks across the city, the festival provides a professional stage for vocalists, beatboxers and harmony groups. Organisers aim to bridge the gap between informal performance spaces and structured artistic platforms.
Beyond entertainment, the event incorporates coaching workshops and community engagement initiatives. Emerging artists will have opportunities to refine their craft while connecting with broader audiences.
The festival celebrates the versatility of the human voice and highlights Cape Town’s unique street-to-stage music heritage. Tickets start from R150 and are available online.
Source: rao.org.za – Event Listing
Financial Markets:
Warm, dry and windy conditions expected on Tuesday.
Cape Town will experience partly cloudy conditions in the morning and afternoon on Tuesday, clearing toward evening. The forecast high is 27°C with a low of 19°C. Rain probability stands at 0%, and relative humidity is forecast at 65%.
Paarl is expected to reach a high of 35°C with a low of 17°C, while Stellenbosch will see a high of 31°C and a low of 17°C. Inland regions will experience significantly warmer afternoon temperatures.
Northwest winds are forecast at 9.3 km/h. Ocean swell measures 1.8 metres with a 15-second southwest period.
Tide times for Cape Town are as follows: High tide at 03:24 (1.8m) and 15:36 (1.76m). Low tide at 09:33 (0.4m) and 21:41 (0.34m).
Sunrise is at 06:23 and sunset at 19:36. The UV Index is rated 11, categorised as extreme, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
Source: SAWS – South African Weather Services
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TODAY’S NEWS SOURCES:
Crime Report – Daily Voice – Marsha Dean
Provincial News – Cape Argus – Murray Swart
City News – IOL – Murray Swart
Traffic Updates – Cape etc – Staff Reporter
WP Sports – DHL Stormers – Official Statement
Local Events – rao.org.za – Event Listing
Weather Forecast – SAWS – South African Weather Services
MONEY MARKET SOURCES:
Currencies: FNB FX – FirstRand Bank Ltd
Commodities: Goldbroker.com – Gold Broker Ltd
Crypto Market: Binance.com – Binance Holdings Ltd
CTNews will continue to track these stories and bring updates as new information becomes available. For the latest bulletin remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit ctnews.co.za for daily coverage and special features
Chief News Editor: Mark Botes-Lashmar
Written by: CTNews team
Publisher: Cape Town News
Region: Cape Town and Western Cape, South Africa
Contact: editorial@ctnews.co.za
