Two gunned down in new taxi-related attack

Armed men gunned down a 62-year-old taxi owner in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga last Wednesday.

According to police, the taxi owner and his friend were walking a few meters away from his home when “a group of four armed men driving a white BMW drove by and fired shots”, provincial police spokesman Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said last Friday.

The attackers made a U-turn and returned to the scene to ensure that the taxi owner was dead, Hlathi added.

“They reportedly fired more shots at the victim, who was already lying on the ground, and fled the scene thereafter.”

A manhunt for the killers is underway.

The shooting is believed to be the eighth taxi-related attack in recent weeks.

Last month, a taxi boss was killed while he was sitting in his car near the Miliva taxi rank.

In March, taxi marshal Frans Oupa Manamela and taxi driver Sipho Mahlangu were shot dead.

Provincial police commissioner General Thulani Phahla said: “Although we made some strides as we continue fighting to curb the trend, taxi owners, drivers, queue marshals, as well as taxi patrollers, continue to be hunted down and killed. “This situation has prompted police in the province to dig deep in our investigation.

“However, we still urge members of the public to come on board and assist with information so that those who are responsible are swiftly brought to book.”

Hlathi appealed to the public for information about the killing. Call Lieutenant Colonel Difaga John Malope on 082-441-7591. –