South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Western Cape, has condemned the fatal shooting incident that occurred at taxi rank near Hazeldene in Browns Farm, Philippi on Tuesday, 2 June, where six people were shot, leaving four dead at the scene and two injured.
The taxi association said it strongly opposes all forms of violence, intimidation and lawlessness.
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SANTACO condemns deadly Philippi taxi shooting
Santaco Western Cape spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana said they are calling on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to bring those responsible to justice.
“We also urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement agencies. The full circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of an ongoing investigation. It would therefore be inappropriate to speculate on the motive, the individuals involved or the events that may have led to the shooting,” said Tumana.
He said the organisation remains committed to promoting peace, stability and responsible conflict resolution within the taxi industry.
He stressed that Santaco will continue engaging operators and associations to ensure disputes are addressed through appropriate structures and never through violence.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish those who were injured a speedy recovery.
“Santaco Western Cape appeals for calm and remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to prevent further violence and restore public confidence.”
CPF calls for peace after taxi-related violence
Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) secretary Dumisani Qwebe called for peace within the taxi industry. He urged taxi operators to resolve their disputes amicably instead of resorting to violence.
“As one of the community stakeholders, we need to meet with taxi bosses and listen to what their problems are. We are appealing to them to sit down and discuss whatever differences they may have. The problem with these fights is that they affect innocent people,” said Qwebe.
However, he said the shooting incident came as a shock because both Cata and Codeta had recently signed a peace agreement.
Four killed, two injured in Hazeldene Taxi Rank attack
Provincial police spokesperson Col Andre Traut said officers are investigating a fatal shooting incident believed to be taxi-related after four men were shot and killed in Nyanga on Tuesday morning.
He said preliminary reports indicate that at approximately 08:30, unknown suspects opened fire on a group of individuals at the corner of Moonwood Drive and Sheffield Road.
“Four adult males, whose ages are yet to be determined, sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene. Two other men were injured during the attack and were admitted to hospital in a critical condition,” said Traut, adding that the suspects fled the scene and have not yet been identified.
He said provincial detectives attached to the Provincial SVC Taxi Unit are pursuing all available leads to identify and apprehend those responsible, while forensic experts are processing the crime scene and gathering evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Additional police deployments have been dispatched to the area to heighten security and maintain stability.
Traut said the motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application.
