Western Cape Police Commissioner Sizakhele Dyantyi has warned taxi operators that authorities may shut down taxi ranks if ongoing violence does not stop.
The warning follows a deadly month in which at least 12 people have been killed in taxi-related incidents across the province.
Dyantyi issued the warning after an urgent meeting between police leadership and the City of Cape Town's safety officials to discuss a coordinated response to the escalating violence ahead of next week's local government elections.
Proposed interventions include increased police deployments, drone surveillance, licence plate recognition technology and the use of the city's extensive CCTV network to identify and arrest those responsible for the attacks.
Dyantyi says authorities will take firm action against those involved in the violence, adding that the closure of taxi ranks remains an option if necessary.
The City of Cape Town's Safety and Security Commissioner, Johan Brand, says the municipality will support the South African Police Service (SAPS) through additional deployments and stricter enforcement of transport legislation and traffic by-laws.
Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it is working closely with law enforcement agencies and the municipality to ensure the safety of voters, election officials and voting stations.
Western Cape IEC Chief Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse says preparations for the elections are largely on track.
However, the commission is still awaiting ballot papers following a Constitutional Court ruling that required the documents to be reprinted.
Hendrickse remains confident that all election materials will be delivered in time for the special votes scheduled for Monday.