Tensions rise as senior taxi boss slain

THE latest slaying of a senior taxi boss near Mthatha by killers posing as police officers has heightened tensions in the industry.

Provincial transport spokeswoman Khuselwa Rantjie said they were concerned about the resurgence of violence in the taxi industry.

“We call on law enforcement officers to deal with the perpetrators.”

Police yesterday confirmed that the 53-yearold chairman of the Corhana Border Alliance Taxi Association (Bata) sub-rank at Circus Triangle was abducted and shot, and his body dumped on the roadside.

Mthatha police spokesman LieutenantColonel Mzukisi Fatyela declined to release the taxi owner’s name until his next of kin had been informed.

The slaying comes just six months after a truce that was signed before government leaders by captains of the industry.

Fatyela said no arrests had been made and anyone with information should contact their nearest police station.

At the centre of the rivalry are the Uncedo Service Taxi Association (Usta) and Bata.

Bata spokesman Vuyani Mshiywa could not be reached yesterday.

Usta national president Ntsikelelo Gaehler said they were saddened by the death of members of either association. He claimed they were still abiding by the truce.

The conditions of the peace agreement included the closure of illegal sub-ranks such as Ntlaza, Corhana, and Circus Triangle – as well as the removal of association stickers. —