Despite relative calm in Cape Town on Thursday morning, there was a series of taxi-related shootings on Wednesday night, which claimed the lives of at least three people.
In Site B, Khayelitsha, a 35-year-old taxi driver was killed while driving along Japhta K Masemola Street at around 18:30. The Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut, said he was declared dead on the scene.
Another 22-year-old taxi driver was gunned down at his home on Buhlungu Street in Browns Farm at approximately 21:00.
Then at around 23:28, a third taxi driver, aged 34, was killed, while another was injured while travelling in a taxi on Boston Road toward Browns Farm.
“They came under attack while travelling in a minibus taxi in Boston Road, Browns Farm. The taxi driver was declared deceased at the scene, while the injured man was transported to a medical facility for treatment,” said Traut.
Three additional taxi drivers were also wounded in other separate shootings, including a 35-year-old taxi driver who was shot in the back on the corner of Govan Mbeki and Sheffield roads; a 32-year-old who was wounded in a shooting on Govan Mbeki Road at approximately 18:20; and another 35-year-old who sustained gunshot wounds to his face and body while driving in his taxi on Lower Crossroads. All of the injured victims were transported to hospital.
Police have confirmed that investigations are underway into each of the incidents, urging the public to come forward with any information they may have.
“The Provincial Taxi Unit is investigating the shooting incidents. No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are ongoing,” said Traut.
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