Chaos broke out in Cape Town after taxi-related violence, reportedly linked to rival taxi associations, claimed the lives of seven people in separate incidents in the City. Police were sent to monitor the taxi routes to ensure the safety of those still having to commute.
The onset of shootings made landfall yesterday after a taxi driver, who was making his journey from Bellville to Khayelitsha, was shot and killed by an unknown suspect. This incident set off a chain reaction which continued into this morning.
In one of the incidents, occupants from another taxi fired shots at a 41-year-old taxi driver who was sitting in his vehicle on the corner of De La Rey Road and Uitsig Avenue in Ravensmead, News24 reports.
According to police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk, “The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment… [and] Ravensmead police are investigating a case of attempted murder.”
Meanwhile, around 6:30 this morning, a stationary taxi was under attack at the intersection of New Eisleben and Sheffield Roads in Philippi East when another taxi with unknown occupants stopped next to them and fired multiple shots at the vehicle, as per IOL.
“Two males aged 33 and 24 were declared deceased on the scene whilst two males both aged 35 were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment,” confirmed Van Wyk.
In an unrelated incident at around 07:00 in Potsdam Road, Du Noon, a 35-year-old man was shot and killed while seated in a stationary taxi when unknown suspects started firing random shots at the vehicle.
“A 35-year-old male was fatally wounded and declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel.
“Table View police are investigating a case of murder,” Van Wyk added.
According to IOL, in another shooting around 08:15, commuters were standing on Duinefontein Road in Samora Machel when unknown occupants in a vehicle started firing gunshots at the commuters before fleeing the scene.
“One 40-year-old male was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel, while two males aged 45 and 39 years old respectively sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment,” said Van Wyk.
Another shooting took place in Bellville, but the police are still investigating the scene.
“Our members are busy with roadblocks, checkpoints and we are working to get more information to send out.”
Van Wyk said no arrests are yet to be made.
“Any person with information regarding these incidents is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10 111.”
As IOL reports, Wednesday’s shooting brings the total number of taxi related murders to 71 since January.
MEC of Transport and Public Works, Daylin Mitchell said: “I must emphasise that the Western Cape Government will not compromise on the rule of law and my department is working closely with the SAPS as they continue with their investigations into the murders and other taxi related crimes in Cape Town and other parts of the province.
“I have also called the leadership of Santaco, the Cata and Codeta to an urgent meeting where we will discuss interventions to stem the growing tide of violence between associations affiliated to the two mother bodies – with specific focus on violence associated with the fight for control over routes,” he added.
Picture: Supplied