There are fears that the recent fatal shootings in Lwandle may be linked to a dispute over the Somerset-Makhaza taxi route.
The Western Cape SAPS confirmed the murders of three people in three separate incidents
In the first incident on Friday night, at about 20:00, two men were shot on Onverwacht Road. One of the victims died on the scene. According to SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the suspect fled the scene in minibus taxis.
“The suspects fled the scene with two Toyota Quantum minibus taxis that was parked outside the car wash. One minibus taxi was later recovered in Strand. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation,” said Twigg, adding that a case of murder and attempted murder is being investigated by Lwandle SAPS.
Twigg advised that hours later, at around 06:20 on Saturday morning, a 44-year-old man was shot on the corner of Micheal Street and Onverwacht Road. He was transported to hospital, where he died.
“The motive for the attack is believed to be taxi-related. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested,” said Twigg.
Then on Saturday night, around 19:45, a 53-year-old was gunned down along the nearby Mandla Street in Asanda Village.
“The motive for the attack is yet to be determined. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.
No arrests have been made in any of these incidents yet.
The ANC’s spokesperson for Mobility in the province, Benson Ngqentsu, suspects that these incidents are a resurgence of the violence linked to disputes of the Somerset-Makhaza route.
He, as such, called on the CATA and CODETA taxi associations to find a lasting solution to the dispute.
“The reported deaths over the past weekend are deeply concerning and cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of the recent peace accord reached between the two associations. The continued violence not only undermines public confidence but also places the lives of innocent commuters, drivers, operators, and community members at grave risk,” read Ngqentsu’s statement.
