Department of Mobility calls on taxi industry to end the violence
A taxi operator was shot dead in Mowbray, raising concerns over escalating violence in the taxi industry. The latest shooting comes 24 hours after a taxi operator was killed in Delft.
Image: File
The Western Cape government called for an end to surging taxi violence after a man believed to be a taxi operator was shot dead in Mowbray on Wednesday morning.
The 30-year-old victim was gunned down on the corner of Victoria and Queens Street around 11am when he was approached by unknown gunmen in a silver Suzuki vehicle.
This shooting comes just a day after a taxi guard was shot dead and a taxi driver injured on Tuesday morning in Delft.
Earlier this month, a taxi rank manager was shot dead in his bakkie in Delft, while three were gunned down at the Voorbrug taxi rank.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant. Wesley Twigg, the motive for the Mowbray shooting is yet to be determined.
“ The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on the corner of Victoria and Queens Streets, Mowbray, on Wednesday morning, March 25, at about 11am, where a 30-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded are under investigation.
“Mowbray police responded to a complaint of a shooting at the mentioned address and upon arrival on the scene they found the victim who sustained gunshot wounds to his body.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. According to reports the victim was approached by unknown suspects in a silver Suzuki, who shot him before fleeing the scene.
“The motive for the attack is yet to be established. Mowbray detectives are investigating a murder case,” Twigg said.
It is unclear to which taxi organisation the victim belongs to.
The chairperson for the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) Nceba Enge, confirmed that they are aware of the incident; however he cannot confirm yet if the taxi guard belongs to Codeta.
Attempts to reach the secretary for the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association for comment was unsuccessful as he was in a meeting.
Byron la Hoe, Acting Media Liaison to Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku, said the department is working on safety protocols to stabilise the taxi industry and protect commuters.
“We cannot comment much while the SAPS investigation is ongoing.
“The taxi industry needs to take a stronger stand against this kind of violence, which puts lives at risk and damages the sector.
“From the government’s side, we are looking at different ways to strengthen enforcement and bring more stability to the industry.
“Working together is key to making public transport safer for everyone,” La Hoe said.
Police are appealing to anyone with any information about this shooting incident to kindly contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.