Taxis torched
Ominous signs as ‘taxi war’ escalates
ESCALATION in the local ‘taxi war’ situation has reached alarming proportions.
The brazen torching of eight minibus taxis and a bus in Empangeni CBD on Thursday night was evidence of a serious situation that shows no sign of ending.
The vehicles, belonging to chairperson of the Ntambanana Taxi Association Vika Biyela, were parked at a car wash premises in Turnbull Street.
Two unknown, balaclava-clad suspects reportedly jumped out of a car, chased away the security guard and set alight the taxis, locking the gate to the enclosure as they fled.
The vehicles were completely destroyed, despite the speedy arrival of the City of uMhlathuze fire brigade.
Over the previous weekend, Biyela lost another three minibus taxis that were gutted by fire in separate areas around King Cetshwayo District.
In June, Biyela survived an assassination attempt along the N2.
An attempt to obtain comment from the victim was unsuccessful.
Santaco regional spokesperson Thokoza
Nene said, at this stage they do not have any information about the attacks.
“It is very painful because we regard our taxis as tools of the trade. We have not established the cause of the attack and we have not heard of any misunderstanding or confrontation within our associations.
“We are completely saddened by this incident. I have heard that some of [Biyela's] vehicles were set alight in the previous weeks and we are still frustrated,” he said.
King Cetshwayo Cluster police spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase said a case of malicious damage to property was registered at Empangeni SAPS; no arrest has been made and the motive was not known.
Mayor reacts
Concerned, city Mayor Xolani Ngwezi denounced the arson attack, calling for negotiations to resolve the obvious conflict.
“Whatever issues there are among people in the business sector, there is no way to resolve them other than sitting down to iron out differences.
“The freedom of this country was not obtained through war, but it was a result of negotiations,” said Ngwezi.
“We do not condone these attacks in our municipality, irrespective of who is the victim. “These attacks could lead to increased violence which we might not be able to control or stop.
“I urge all those involved to open doors for negotiations,” said Ngwezi.
He further urged police to arrest any perpetrators involved. “There is no other solution: when crime has been committed, suspects must be arrested.
“Those planning to commit crimes should desist, as it paints a bad picture of our city. It also hinders the growth of our economy, as no investor will spend his money where there is a fear of assets being torched.”
The only solution to resolve differences is through negotiations - uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi