Gunmen shoot taxi owner

MTHATHA police are investigating a case of attempted murder after a man was shot and wounded by two unknown gunmen at Dalaguba administrative area yesterday morning.

Police spokeswoman Captain Dineo Koena said it was claimed the shooting was related to recent taxi wars. “It is alleged that the victim, who is a taxi owner belonging to Border Association, was assisting a motorist on the R61 when a silver grey Corsa bakkie with two occupants stopped and [the occupants] opened fire,” said Koena.

The victim, 49, sustained injuries in his upper and lower body and was rushed to hospital.

The motorist escaped unhurt, and 21 empty rifle cartridges were found on the scene.

Koena said no arrests had yet been made. “Anyone with information which may lead to the arrest of the suspects may contact the nearest police station.”

She said on Friday members of the Mthatha national intervention unit arrested a 31-year-old man after he was found in possession of a 7.65 pistol and one magazine with no rounds at Ngquqha administrative area in Bityi. In the same area a 37year-old man was later arrested for being in possession of two pistols and 10 rounds of ammunition.

The arrested men would appear in court in Bityi today.

● Willowvale police have arrested a 20-year-old man for the rape of a 76year-old woman.

Police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said it was reported that the victim had attended a traditional ceremony on Friday at Mantlanani Location, and was later seen sleeping next to a relative on the side of the road. “Police have been advising the communities to end their traditional ceremonies at 5pm to avoid crimes such as rape, murder and robberies,” said Manatha.

The man, arrested on Saturday, would appear in the Willowvale Magistrate’s Court today.

● Willowvale police arrested a 30year-old man for being possession of dagga plants with a street value of R3 000.

The man was arrested yesterday at Willowvale Informal Settlement.

Manatha said police acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off that a man had planted dagga in his garden.

The arrested man would appear in the Willowvale Magistrate’s Court today. —