Zonkiziwe Taxi Rank Violence Claims Two More Lives

By Natalie Nyathi

On May 20, Kasie FM News reported that a patroller from the Katlehong People’s Taxi Association was shot and killed at a taxi rank in Zonkiziwe. Unidentified armed assailants in a Quantum taxi invaded the taxi rank and opened fire on the victim, who later succumbed to his injuries at a local healthcare facility. This incident underscores the escalating violence related to taxi operations in the area.

Two bodies have been found at a local taxi rank today in Zonkiziwe, eKurhuleni. Authorities suspect that the deaths are linked to ongoing taxi-related violence in the area.

It is reported that in the early morning hours, between 4 and 5 o’clock, a group of men allegedly blocked both the entrance and exit of the taxi rank. An altercation ensued, resulting in a shooting that took place in Katlehong.

Police are currently investigating the incident. According to the Provincial Commissioner, the event is related to taxi violence. “It’s indeed a sad day, and this is concerning as we know that in March, three people died due to similar taxi violence. Today, two more have died as a result of a crossfire shooting incident. We can confirm based on interviews with witnesses that one of the deceased was affiliated with a taxi association, while the other was from a security company. We have recovered a rifle belonging to the security company and have seized it,” he stated.

The Commissioner also mentioned that the three individuals arrested could be linked to this incident and other previous incidents. “These taxi-related violent acts are very troubling in this area. Our follow-up efforts have led us to three individuals in Dawn City, Dawn Park, where we managed to locate what is referred to as a safehouse. We arrested three individuals and discovered a rifle with three magazines. We are highly convinced that these individuals are connected to these incidents,” he said.

Furthermore, the Commissioner highlighted that earlier this year, on March 28, three lives were lost in a related incident, and another incident in Jeppe resulted in four fatalities and two injuries.

“We believe these three individuals are likely linked to those previous incidents, as our investigations have traced connections between them,” he added.

The Commissioner stated that updates will be provided as further investigations are conducted.

Further updates to follow.