South Africa’s taxi industry moves millions daily – but behind the wheels lies a world of bloodshed, corruption, and ruthless power struggles.
In his explosive new documentary, Inside South Africa’s Secret Taxi Mafia, filmmaker Dan Mace (JOE Films) pulls back the curtain on Cape Town’s violent taxi wars, exposing a system ruled by guns, gangs and underground syndicates.
The Dark Side of SA’s Transport Lifeline The minibus taxi industry is South Africa’s largest informal transport system, carrying over 70% of commuters daily.
Yet, it operates in near-lawlessness – taxi bosses control routes with bullets, not permits and turf wars claim hundreds of lives yearly.
Mace’s six-month investigation takes viewers into:
- Shootouts between rival taxi associations fighting for lucrative routes
- Corrupt deals with law enforcement—who turns a blind eye?
- The City of Cape Town’s failed crackdowns on taxi violence
- The human cost: Drivers, commuters, and families caught in the crossfire
“We filmed in places most wouldn’t dare go. This isn’t just about taxis—it’s about power, money, and who controls the streets.”With dashcam footage, undercover interviews, and raw confrontations, the film reveals:
- How taxi bosses operate like mafia kingpins
- Why government interventions keep failing
- The untold stories of drivers forced into violence
- Taxi wars have killed 300+ people in 5 years (SA Police stats)
- Cape Town’s “Golden Routes” are worth millions – fueling bloodshed
- No licenses? No problem. Many taxis run illegally, unchecked
Will This Film Force Change? Activists and lawmakers have long demanded reform, but with taxi bosses holding the country hostage, can anything stop the violence? Mace’s documentary might just be the wake-up call SA needs.