Western Cape police have launched an urgent investigation into a deadly shooting that left four people dead, and three others injured at the Mfuleni taxi rank in Cape Town on Friday morning. Authorities believe the incident, which took place when unknown gunmen stormed the taxi rank office and opened fire, is linked to ongoing taxi-related tensions.
The province’s deputy police commissioner for crime detection, Bongani Maqhashalala, confirmed the case has been escalated to specialised units.
“This investigation has been taken over by the Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation, the Taxi Violence Unit,” he said.
“We are also offering a reward of up to R100 000 to any person who can provide any information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for this.”
SANTACO Condemns Brutality, Urges Calm
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape has strongly condemned the attack and called for calm within the taxi community. Moreover, Chairperson Mandla Hermanus described the shooting as a senseless act of violence.
“We condemn this brutal and criminal act in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
Furthermore, Hermanus also warned against allowing the incident to reignite tensions in the industry.
“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.”
Taxi Industry Urged to Maintain Peace
Additionally, SANTACO has announced plans to meet with the taxi associations affected by the incident to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Hermanus said they would look at ways to contribute to restoring calm.
As the investigation continues, can communities and taxi stakeholders come together to prevent further bloodshed?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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