Two people have been killed and another injured following a shooting at the Zwelihle taxi rank on Wednesday morning. Police have confirmed that the motive is believed to be taxi-related.

The shooting happened at about 06:55 on 23 September, Thembakazi Mpendukana of local police told Hermanus Times.

Two unknown adult male victims were declared dead at the scene, while another adult male victim was rushed to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.

Police said the motive is believed to be taxi-related, placing the shooting within the context of current tensions involving the local taxi industry.

Also Read: Alleged taxi owner gunned down in Zwelihle, Hermanus

Hermanus police have opened two murder cases and an attempted murder case as investigations into the shooting continue. No arrests have been made. The identities of the two deceased men have not yet been released. Police have not not provided further details on whether the victims were directly connected to the taxi industry.

Circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Local taxi operations are temporarily on hold until further notice.

The shooting comes just a week after taxi driver, Siyamanga Mdodana,was gunned down in Dubai informal settlement. He was allegedly killed while walking home through an alley.

According to reports, it is believed that the recent deadly taxi-violence is due to an ongoing power struggle between the Overstrand Taxi Association (OTA) and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA).