Eight held after taxi driver shot dead in Bonteheuwel

EIGHT people have been arrested and are expected to appear in court for the murder of a taxi driver who died in hospital after he was shot in Bonteheuwel at the weekend.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said an attempted murder docket was initially opened for investigation, but that changed when the driver succumbed to his injuries.

Van Wyk said when members of the Flying Squad arrived at the scene, the 40-year-old was rushed to hospital and a chase of the suspects ensued.

According to reports, taxi operators from two different associations were about to meet prospective new members close to the intersection of Jakkalsvlei Avenue and Jakes Gerwel Drive when the shooting started, he said.

“While they were standing outside their vehicles a marked taxi association vehicle stopped and shots were fired.

“The victim was part of the group.

“After this incident, the suspects jumped into their vehicle and drove back towards the N2 freeway.

“Shortly thereafter, members attached to the Western Cape Flying Squad pulled over a white minibus and found eight suspects in the vehicle with a 9mm pistol inside,” said Van Wyk. The suspects were arrested. “It later emerged that the victim had succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

“The attempted murder case will now be changed to one of murder,” Van Wyk said.