taxi violence – praag.org

Black taxi shooting leaves at least one dead

After a shooting killing at least one man, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Taxi Violence Task Team Unit is appealing to all passengers who were in a taxi that was attacked at Ntuzuma to come forward so that statements will be taken from them regarding the incident. Witnesses can contact the investigating officers, Major Welile Ximba at 082 463 3002 or Warrant Officer Madoda Bhengu at 072 213 3802. Investigating offices can also be contacted at their offices at Durban South Old Area office at Isipingo.

On 6 November 2013 at approximately 05:00 a taxi driver was loading passengers at Nhlungwana bus stop, Ntuzuma just outside Durban when unknown two men came and allegedly opened fire towards the taxi. One passenger, Vincent Gumede (44) was shot and killed instantly. A second passenger was also wounded during the attack and was rushed to Poly Clinic for treatment. The alleged attackers fled the scene after the shooting. A case of murder and attempted murder was opened at Ntuzuma police station for further investigation. The motive of the attack is suspected to be taxi related conflict in the area. No arrest has been made yet.

Woman wounded in Roodepoort taxi shooting

A woman was wounded on Tuesday in a shooting believed to be related to taxi violence in Roodepoort, Johannesburg metro police said.

“The injured female was taken to hospital and four taxis were damaged,” Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said.

The shooting occurred at the intersection of Ontdekkers and CR Swart roads on the West Rand.

He said the road would be closed until further notice to allow police time to investigate. The reason for the suspected taxi violence was not yet known and would form part of investigations.

SA Police Service spokesman Constable Vincent Mashiteng said police were hunting for three man who fled the scene in a blue Toyota Corolla after the shooting.

He said the three were on foot when they started shooting at a taxi and then randomly shot at passing cars.

“At least 10 shots were fired with one hitting the woman who was transported to hospital,” he said.

No one in the taxi was hurt.

The shooting came a day after a Diepsloot man was wounded after taxi drivers in the area went on strike.

The drivers were demanding to be promoted to taxi owners. The man was standing with other taxi drivers when a silver-grey Mercedes-Benz drove up.

An argument ensued between the taxi drivers and the occupants of the car, one of whom opened fire, hitting the man in the lower body.

Mashiteng could not confirm whether the two incidents were linked, but said there had been taxi problems in the area for some time. No arrests had been made. – Sapa

Taxi violence escalates

On May 3, a Vosloorus Taxi Association member was shot and killed during a shootout at the Windmill Park taxi rank.

According to JJ Dlamini, chairman of the association, this is now the 13th member they have lost during the ongoing taxi violence.

At the recent Reiger Park Taxi Association elections, both Dlamini, as well as Andy Koza, chairman of the Reiger Park Association, stated that they wanted the violence to end.

“We are busy arranging a meeting with the Reiger Park Association to discuss what can be done to prevent further violence,” says Dlamini.

He adds that they regret what is happening, and would like to assure commuters that they are doing everything they can to resolve the situation.

“We are unsure who is responsible for inciting violence.”

For more than a year-and-a-half, the two associations have been fighting for rights over the Holomisa to Boksburg route.

The Johannesburg High Court ruled that the route belongs to the Reiger Park Association.

The Vosloorus Association is challenging this ruling.

The associations met on March 7, and it was agreed that they would share the route until an agreement could be reached.

At the time of going to print, Koza had been issued a gag order by the association’s executives, and their public relations officer was unavailable for comment.