Taxi-related violence leaves 4 dead, 3 injured in Mfuleni

Western Cape police are offering a R100 000 reward for anyone with information on a shooting incident that occurred at the Mfuleni taxi rank on Friday morning.

PHOTO - Facebook: Adwele Alex

Western Cape Taxi Violence Unit located within Serious Violence Crime detectives confirmed that they are investigating four murders and three attempted murders. Of the seven victims, one injured is believed to be a commuter.

‘’Reports indicate that the shooting occurred at approximately 6:00 when two gunmen fired shots. The incident is believed to be taxi related. Western Cape police have since bolstered deployment at identified taxi ranks in Cape Town. No arrests have been effected yet with investigators pursuing several leads,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape police spokesperson.

SANTACO Western Cape condemned the incident.

‘’We condemn this brutal and criminal act in the strongest possible terms. We call on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to identify and arrest those responsible. There can be no tolerance for violence in our industry or communities. SANTACO will be meeting with the relevant taxi association to establish a full account of the events and determine how we can assist in restoring stability and preventing further conflict. We urge all operators to remain calm and exercise maximum restraint. This incident must not be allowed to derail the efforts underway to build peace and unity within the taxi industry across the province,’’ said Mandla Hermanus, SANTACO Western Cape Chairperson.

The Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, expressed his deep sorrow and concern.

‘’I am shocked and deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence. We cannot allow criminality to take hold of our public transport spaces and threaten the safety of innocent commuters and workers. I appeal to the community and the minibus taxi industry to stand united, remain calm, and fully support the police investigation. Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law. We must never become numb to this kind of violence. Behind every life lost is a family, a story, and a future that has been cruelly cut short. I remain committed to building a safer province where every life is valued and protected, especially on our roads and transport networks.”

Sileku said his department is gravely concerned by the ongoing disregard for human life and the safety of those who rely on public transport daily.

‘’Violence in or around our transport hubs is not only unacceptable - it undermines our shared goal of providing safe, reliable, and dignified mobility for all. Safe, reliable and affordable public transport is critical if we are to achieve our goals of driving economic growth and creating more jobs. We urge all transport operators and drivers to remain calm and support law enforcement to carry out their duties. Disputes must never be resolved through violence. There is no justification for actions that place innocent lives at risk and disrupt critical transport services.’’

Anyone with valuable information that can assist in expediting the police investigation is urged to contact Captain Lukhanyo Magadla on 082 411 3245. All information received will be handled with the necessary care and the identities of those who share information protected.

 

Done by: Mitchum George