Serious violent crime detectives, attached to the Western Cape Taxi Violence Unit, are investigating four murders and three attempted murders following a shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank on Friday morning.
Of the seven victims, one injured person is believed to be a commuter.
Police say reports indicate that the shooting occurred at approximately 06:00 when two gunmen fired shots. The incident is believed to be taxi-related.
There is a heavy police presence at the Mfuleni taxi rank and other high-risk taxi ranks in Cape Town.
Detectives are offering a R100,000 reward for anyone with information on the shooting, as no arrests have been made yet.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Lukhanyo Magadla on 082 411 3245. Tip-offs are anonymous.
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Meanwhile, SANTACO Western Cape says it is deeply disturbed by the deadly shooting.
Chairperson Mandla Hermanus:
“We condemn this brutal and criminal act in the strongest possible terms. We call on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to identify and arrest those responsible. There can be no tolerance for violence in our industry or communities.”
Hermanus says SANTACO will be meeting with the relevant taxi association to establish a full account of the deadly incident.
He says they will also assist in restoring calm and stability, in a bid to prevent further conflict and bloodshed.
“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.”
The Western Cape Government has also condemned the violence.
Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku says criminality cannot be allowed to take hold of our public transport spaces and threaten the safety of innocent commuters and workers.
“I appeal to the community and the minibus taxi industry to stand united, remain calm, and fully support the police investigation. Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law. We must never become numb to this kind of violence. Behind every life lost is a family, a story, and a future that has been cruelly cut short. I remain committed to building a safer province where every life is valued and protected, especially on our roads and transport networks.”
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