Taxi shooting: ‘she survived by God’s grace’

POLICE are investigating a double murder and two attempted murders following an alleged extortion-related shooting in Khayelitsha.

Gang members are alleged to have collected protection fee money from a local shop and were followed by a rival gang and shot at while travelling in a taxi.

Police spokesperson Andre Traut said the suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested

“The circumstances are being investigated after armed suspects opened fire at a minibus taxi in Mew Way Khayelitsha on Friday afternoon. The injured victims were admitted to hospital,” said Traut.

A source said after collecting protection fee money they walked to catch a taxi.

“Just when the taxi stopped, the other guys came out of nowhere and started shooting the people in the taxi.

“A lady in the passenger seat (crawled) out of the window while the suspects were shooting and managed to escape the scene.

“She survived by God's grace.” Codeta spokesperson Andile Khanyi said the shooting was not taxi violence related.

“The recent shooting in Khayelitsha was not taxi related and we don't have much information as to what really transpired.

“Taxis are operating as normal in all areas.

“We can understand the shock and trauma the commuters have experienced. The taxi attacked belonged to our organisation and we will monitor the area and get more information on what exactly happened. We condemn the acts by those trying to tarnish the image of taxi organisations,” said Khanyi.

Anyone with information about the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 0860010111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.