The killing of a Reservoir Hills resident, who was fatally shot in Verulam on Saturday, has raised fears over the increasing crime rate in communities.
The deceased, 36, was a taxi boss and was gunned down in full view of his wife while two other men, believed to be tow truck operators, sustained gunshot injuries when a masked shooter opened fire on the victims on Olivine Road in Everest Heights, in Verulam. South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) provincial chairperson Boy Zondi said the association is saddened by this tragic incident. “Even though I do not know the deceased and have no knowledge about the events surrounding this specific incident, we say condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. I would like to emphasise that the firearm is never the solution, we should sit down and talk if there are issues in the industry as taking a life is never the answer. As the association we condemn acts of violence and killing of people,” said Zondi. Public Relations Officer at Reservoir Hills Community Policing Sub-forum, Ray Jeawon, said it is alarming that such an incident occurred and the deceased was a resident of the area. “The specifics around the issue is something that we do not really know. We are saddened by the fact that a resident of the area was killed so carelessly and it’s obvious that crime of this nature is on an increase in the country. We see that a number of people are losing their lives easily at the hands of people that have no conscience.”
Reaction Unit SA head, Prem Balram, confirmed the shooting. “Reaction officers were dispatched to investigate the incident and, on arrival, found a man lying on the road bleeding from a gunshot wound to his head. A second male was shot on his left arm while his employer was grazed on his hip. It is alleged that the taxi owner and his wife met with the tow truck operator to obtain a quote for panel beating a taxi when the occupants of a red VW Polo TSI (registration unknown) opened fire on them. The vehicle then sped off in an unknown direction. The female was not injured. Several spent 9mm cartridges were recovered at the scene,” added Balram. Police Spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said on arrival at the scene, police found a dead body lying on the road. “One of the victims alleged that he was standing on the road with the deceased when an unknown African man who was walking down the road suddenly drew a firearm and shot at the three of them. He shot the deceased multiple times on the head. Another victim was shot on the left upper arm and the third victim sustained a laceration on the waist.” She added that the suspect ran up the road and jumped into a getaway vehicle with no registration number. “The suspect could not be identified as he was wearing a mask. The deceased died instantly and was certified dead by an ambulance. The motive of the shooting is suspected to be taxi related. The deceased was a taxi owner who lived in Reservoir Hills. His taxis operate in Tongaat and Pinetown,” said Col Mbele.
