Five killed as taxi violence escalates, sparking action

A SERIES of brutal killings in the taxi industry has prompted an urgent response from taxi associations and provincial government officials, who are now working together to find solutions to the escalating violence.

- MARSHA DEAN

Two murders in less than 24 hours, between Sunday and Monday, raised the tally to five in the last seven days, following three deaths last week.

On Sunday night, a 33-year-old taxi owner affiliated to the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) was shot and killed while sitting inside his Toyota Fortuner in Mashakane Street, Lwandle, Somerset West.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that Lwandle police are investigating a case of murder.

Van Wyk reported: "Circumstances surrounding a shooting incident on Sunday night at 10.30pm at Mashakane Street, Lwandle where the body of a 33-year-old male was found are under investigation."

On Monday afternoon, a 29-year-old taxi driver was killed and his passengers robbed on Robert Sobukwe Road.

Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed that a murder is under investigation.