Three killed, 3 hurt as infant hit in crossfire
THREE commuters have been killed and three others, including a 5-month-old infant, were caught in crossfire in the latest taxi-related shootings in Khayelitsha yesterday.
This brings the total number of people killed in taxi violence in the province to 79 since the start of the year.
At about 3pm yesterday, suspects in a minibus taxi allegedly opened fire at a taxi in Mew Way, Harare, killing a 22-year-old woman and two men, aged 32 and 25.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said a 5-month-old was wounded and was in hospital.
“We have reason to believe that another child who was a bystander was also wounded and taken away for treatment. Additional uniformed officers have been deployed to bring stability to a volatile situation in the area,” said Swartbooi.
The recent shootings have been linked to the conflict between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) and Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) over ownership of the Bellville to Paarl route.
The violence has affected thousands of Western Cape residents, including those in Langa, Kraaifontein, Nyanga and Gugulethu who have been left stranded or fearful of taking taxis.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, Transport MEC Daylin Mitchell and the SA National Taxi Council leadership are expected to meet the taxi industry stakeholders today in efforts to quell the violence.
Cata secretary Mandla Hermanus said engagements had not been fruitful thus far.
“After a long engagement we still could not reach an understanding among the two associations.
As such, Cata will not be operating again on Friday. We have another meeting early in the morning with Codeta and all relevant authorities after they requested to consult further with their constituents,” he said.
Hermanus accused Mbekweni and Paarl police officers of preventing any vehicle with a Cata sticker from operating in the area.
But Swartbooi said: “The affected parties are welcome to register a complaint at the local police station instead of making allegations. The police view the discharge of a firearm, if not under threat, in a very serious light.”
Codeta’s spokesperson Andile Khanyi said while they were expecting to continue operating today, commuters should make alternative arrangements.
“Shooters usually target drivers on the road but when the taxi has passengers they just senselessly shoot one – hence we advise commuters to make arrangements. It is totally not safe. We are really hoping everything soon goes back to normal because even our drivers are affected mentally and financially,” said Khanyi.
Mitchell said he was committed to finding a lasting resolution to the ongoing dispute.
“We are also applying for an interdict in the Western Cape High Court to prevent illegal taxi services by either taxi association on established routes,” he said.
SACP provincial secretary Benson Ngqentsu said he hoped today’s engagement will provide a permanent solution.