Amid a deadly surge of taxi violence that has left multiple operators dead across Cape Town, popular family restaurant Ashley’s announced the temporary closure of its Goodwood and Kraaifontein branches, prioritizing the safety of its staff over daily business operations.
The Bottom Line
- Ashley’s suspended operations at its Goodwood and Kraaifontein locations to protect employees from ongoing taxi route conflicts.
- The closures follow a violent 48-hour period in Cape Town that saw multiple shootings and operator deaths across Delft, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Gugulethu.
- City officials, including Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, deployed full policing support and established a 24-hour anonymous tip line to address the transit unrest.
Staff Safety Triggers Branch Closures
The decision to shut down the pizza and grill spots came as public transport disruptions left taxi ranks empty following a wave of shootings linked to route disputes. Management chose to protect its workforce from the dangers of commuting through volatile areas. In a statement posted to Facebook, the restaurant emphasized that employees are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters with families waiting for them, stating, “no meal, no business and no working day will ever be more important than the safety and well-being of our people.”
TASTE OF CAPE TOWN.The lineup is cooking… Come Hungry👨🍳 Your chefs:Chef Shaun Scrooby, VuurChef Ashley Moss, FYNChef Peter Tempelhoff, FYNChef Bertus Basson, Basson & CoChef Amori Burger, Upper UnionChef Vusi Ndlovu, EDGE AfricaChef James Gaag, La ColombeChef… pic.twitter.com/pHNTzWJ2A4
Escalating Violence Across Cape Town Taxi Ranks
The unrest stems from an ongoing conflict over taxi routes and permits that erupted into a deadly series of shootings over a 48-hour period. More than five taxi operators were killed in incidents spanning Delft, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Gugulethu, while burning tyres blocked roadway entrances. At the Palm taxi rank in Delft, gunfire broke out on the morning of October 28, 2026, leaving at least two individuals injured and causing widespread panic among commuters and operators.
| Incident Detail | Reported Status / Response |
|---|---|
| Affected Ashley’s Branches | Goodwood and Kraaifontein (temporarily closed) |
| Targeted Areas in Unrest | Delft, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, and Gugulethu |
| Law Enforcement Response | Public Order Police and Metro Police deployed; SAPS investigating attempted murder cases |
| Anonymous Tip Line | 0800 110077 (active 24 hours) |
Municipal Authorities Mobilize Enforcement
In response to the bloodshed, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis condemned the lawlessness and pledged the City’s full policing support to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Law enforcement agencies, including Public Order Police, deployed to the Palm taxi rank following the morning shootings on October 28. Safety and Security Mayco Member JP Smith appealed to the public for information regarding the perpetrators. As law enforcement maintains a heightened presence around high-risk transit hubs, SAPS confirmed that Delft SAPS initiated two attempted murder cases and a firearms discharge case, though no arrests had been made as of the initial October 28 reports.
Public Reaction and Transport Adjustments
Online response to the restaurant’s announcement was largely supportive, with patrons praising management for prioritizing employee welfare over profits, though some users voiced concern over how staff members would manage financially during the stoppage. Meanwhile, alternative public transport providers adjusted to the crisis. Golden Arrow Bus Services reported a surge of calls from worried passengers, prompting the company to closely monitor routes and implement deviations where necessary to keep commuters safe.
