Gunmen open fire at Nyanga taxi rank, leaving two dead and eight injured

The Nyanga community is reeling after a shooting at the Nyanga taxi terminus which left two women dead, and eight others injured on Wednesday.

According to police reports, the 10 victims, all members of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata), were travelling in a Sprinter minibus taxi en route to a Cata meeting scheduled to take place near Cape Town International Airport when unknown gunmen opened fire on them.

And Deputy provincial commissioner Major-General Luyanda Damoyi, who visited the scene, said that police suspect the shooting may be linked to internal conflicts within Cata, and investigations are ongoing.

Damoyi confirmed that two women died at the scene, while seven other women and one man sustained gunshot wounds. They were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

He added that three suspects emerged from a bakkie and began shooting at the minibus. 

He said it appeared a high-calibre rifle was used, with at least 43 cartridges found at the scene.

Damoyi reported: “The information we have is that the victims are members of the Cata executive who were on their way to a meeting. We are still investigating the circumstances and the roles they played within the structure.

“We are very concerned about the ongoing violence in the province.

“Police are working hard to make arrests and recover illegal firearms. We are determined to stop this violence, but we need the community’s help with information.”

The Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) also condemned the attack and called on Cata to end the violence.

CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe said: “This affects our people directly. When these shootings happen, it’s the commuters and residents who suffer the most.

“One life lost is one too many. We are appealing to the leadership of Cata to come together and find peaceful solutions. The violence must stop.” 

He added that the CPF plans to meet with Cata leadership soon to discuss ways to end the ongoing tension.

When contacted, Cata spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi mentioned that he was busy and would respond at a later stage.

Meanwhile, Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the incident happened less than 24 hours after he visited the same site as part of a road user education initiative.

He said in a statement: “This senseless act of violence has not only claimed the lives of two women but has also left several others hurt and traumatised,” said Sileku.

“Violence of any kind, especially in spaces meant for safe public transport and daily commuting, cannot and will not be tolerated. We must work together to restore safety and dignity in our taxi ranks and the sector in general.”

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