Pretoria - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has expressed disdain over the shooting incident at KwaDukuza taxi rank this morning.
The shooting allegedly involved security companies contracted to the KwaDukuza and KwaMaphumulo taxi associations.
At least 28 cartridges of R5 rifles and two 9-mm cartridges were found on the scene. The shooting is allegedly related to the on-going taxi feud between the two associations over routes.
In another separate incident, a taxi operator believed to be a member of KwaMaphumulo taxi association, was shot and killed in Glendale last night.
Police are investigating a case of murder and another case of attempted murder has been opened.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms incidents of shootings, which result in the killing of people and endanger the lives of innocent citizens,” said MEC Mchunu.
“We must be very clear in that private security companies operate within a set of regulations that govern their work. This includes ensuring the safety of the members of the community wherever they operate, especially in the public transport sector.”
The MEC has sent a team from the department to engage the two associations and stop the conflict.
“I will be meeting the leadership of both associations urgently to resolve the issues of conflict. As the KwaZulu-Natal province, we have made significant strides in stabilising the taxi industry. We will not allow any incident such as the latest shooting in KwaDukuza to undermine our good work of the past five years,” said MEC Mchunu. – SAnews.gov.za
