THERE was a heavy police presence at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Thursday as the seven remaining suspects linked to the violent taxi-related shootout that erupted in Durban last month made a court appearance.
At total of 16 people were arrested following the deadly shootout which took place at a taxi rank in Brook Street in Durban on 27 April.
One person died and three others were injured after a group of heavily armed gunmen, who were travelling in a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi, stormed the taxi rank, fired multiple shots and sped off.
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The shooters fled towards Pinetown where a police officer from the Pinetown Task Team spotted their vehicle in Chelsea Avenue, New Germany and gave chase. The gang opened fire and the policeman retaliated. They were arrested after they abandoned their vehicle and fled into a building in Scott Road in Pinetown. At the time police seized a total of 17 firearms – nine rifles, a shotgun and seven pistols.
The septet was remanded into custody at the Durban Central Police Station on Thursday until the state can conduct an identity parade. They face a raft of charges, including murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm. Prosecutor Calvin Govender said the stated hoped to complete this step within the next seven days.
According to Govender, the identity parade has been delayed as some of the victims of the violent incident are still in hospital.
The suspects are expected to make their next appearance on 17 May to finalise the arrangements for their bail hearing – which has been scheduled for 12, 13 and 15 June.
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