Police have confirmed that criminal charges are now being investigated following a brutal stabbing incident in Maitland, which was caught on camera and circulated on social media.

The graphic video shows a man, alleged to be a taxi driver, stabbing another man multiple times while he lies on the roadway. Western Cape police have confirmed that the violent altercation occurred on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at approximately 15:30 on the corner of Canon Road and Voortrekker Road.

According to a spokesperson, Captain Frederick Van Wyk, the confrontation followed a road rage incident, and as such, it is the suspected motive.

“According to reports, the taxi driver of [a] white Toyota Quantum taxi started a fight following an argument and the complainant fought back. The taxi driver managed to let the complainant fall and then took out a knife and stabbed the complainant eight times.”

Van Wyk said a detective sought out the victim on Wednesday, who was still in the hospital, and obtained an affidavit for further investigation. Thereafter, a case of attempted murder was registered with the Maitland police station.

Further details on the case are that the suspect is an unidentified male taxi driver, “short in length and chubby build”, according to Van Wyk. He added that the registration number of the taxi was not visible in the circulating footage.

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The 48-year-old victim is recovering. After the incident, Van Wyk said the victim fled to a petrol station in Goodwood, where an attendant, who knew him, assisted in getting him to the hospital. He required emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding.

Authorities urge any witnesses or the person who filmed the video to contact Detective Sergeant Donald Phutiyagae on 079 894 1772, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or anonymously via the MySAPS mobile app.