Second taxi alliance member killed in Paarl

A second CATA-affiliated mini-bus taxi operator was shot and killed in Paarl on Saturday. The incident occurred at Jan van Riebeeck Road opposite the Dal Josafat Athletics Stadium.

It comes days after the chairperson of the Codeta-Paarl Taxi Alliance (Pata), Siyabulela Mandyoli, was murdered.

The police’s FC van Wyk said police are probing a case of murder.

“Paarl East police registered a murder case. According to reports on Saturday at 8.45am, SAPS members attended an incident of shooting at Jan van Riebeeck Road opposite the stadium, where they were informed over radio about a person who had been shot.

“The members found the deceased sitting in the car with a gunshot wound to the head. Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” added Captain F.C van Wyk.

Western Cape Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, shared his anger regarding the incident.

‘’I am infuriated by this second violent minibus taxi-related crime in the area this week, which threatens commuters, the mini-bus taxi and public transport industry more broadly. The minibus taxi industry must prioritise commuter safety with strong leadership and respect for the rule of law – anything less is a dereliction of their moral and legal duties.’’

‘’Since Tuesday, the Mobility Ministry and Department officials have been working around the clock - in constant communication with all stakeholders, conducting observations on the ground, and facilitating meetings to urgently assert stability in the industry. Meetings have continued over the weekend including today.’’

Mackenzie said he held several meetings with Santaco; SAPS; the Western Cape’s Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen; and the National Prosecuting Authority.

‘’We must get to the bottom of this situation to ensure the violence doesn’t spiral out of control and that people can get to work, school and home safely. To this end, there are enhanced deployments by the various law enforcement agencies in Mbekweni, surrounding areas and at the Bellville public transport interchange,’’ said Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Mobility MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George