A taxi owner was killed in an alleged drive by shooting at a taxi rank in the Tongaat Central Business District on Wednesday, 20 October at about 12.30pm.
According to the Tongaat Community Police Forum mother body chairperson, Nazir Sadack, taxi violence was not a major concern in the community however over the past few months there has been sporadic incidents.
“These violent acts are beginning to become a major problem. Two weeks ago a bus owner was shot on Vanrova Road. My biggest fear is as these criminal acts increase innocent people could get hurt or even lose their lives,” said Sadack.
Reaction Unit South Africa responded to the shooting. Spokesperson Prem Balram said the man was sitting in his car when he was shot multiple times in the head and body. “Officers were dispatched to the scene and on arrival it was established that the deceased was seated in his vehicle when the occupants of a maroon VW Polo fired a volley of shots at his vehicle. The gunmen were allegedly armed with high calibre rifles. He was in possession of a 9mm pistol which was still holstered.”
Sifiso Shangase, spokesperson for the South African Taxi Council, said the association wishes to convey their condolences to the family and is calling for better tolerance between taxi owners.
“We are also pleading to the community that if they have any information that would help lead to the arrest of the culprits to please report it to law enforcements. If conflicts arise these differences must be discussed properly. Once someone is killed there is no way to bring them back,” said Shangase.
