Pretoria - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has called for calm after the brutal murder of the KwaDukuza taxi association secretary, Muzi Mhlongo.
MEC Mchunu on Tuesday met with the KwaDukuza and Maphumulo taxi associations in Durban, where he called on members of both taxi associations to restrain themselves and allow police to conduct investigations.
Mhlongo was attacked and killed on New Year’s Eve at a petrol garage in KwaDukuza. The case is now being investigated by the Provincial Taxi Violence Task Team, which is a specialised team that deals with taxi related crimes in the province.
Accompanied by the leadership of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) at the meeting, MEC Mchunu extended deepest condolences to Mhlongo’s family and colleagues. He said those responsible for the murder will face the long arm of the law.
“During this period, you must remain calm as police have assured me of doing their best to find the perpetrators and ensure safety in KwaDukuza.
“We must work together to achieve total stability in the taxi industry under iLembe District. Last year, we visited this area with the Premier as an indication that government is concerned with incidents that are taking place in this area,” he said.
MEC Mchunu said dialogue is the only solution and gun fire will not resolve any differences but will instead deepen them. – SAnews.gov.za
