Update 11:30 – Police are still on both scenes
Brakpan police have confirmed that two of the three people killed during a shooting in the Brakpan CBD this morning were taxi drivers.
Seven others were injured during the taxi violence incident.
According to Brakpan SAPS spokesperson Capt Pearl van Staad, a convoy of taxi drivers arrived at the office of the Greater Brakpan Taxi Association at the corner of Wenden Avenue and High Street just before 9am.
Tsakane taxi drivers embarked on a strike yesterday (Tuesday).
“There was a meeting in Tsakane this morning after which they travelled to Brakpan,” said Van Staad.
“The convoy was escorted by members of the SAPS Public Order Policing Unit.
“When they arrived at the office, shots rang out and the Brakpan SAPS were called for back-up.”
Local police responded and seven suspects – who are believed to be part of a ‘VIP Protection Unit’ – were apprehended at the corner of Prince George Avenue and Voortrekker Road.
Van Staad told the Herald the suspects were heavily armed and various weapons were confiscated.
They face numerous charges including murder and attempted murder.
Police are still on both scenes and motorists are advised to avoid the areas.
Earlier:
It is believed that three people died while several others were injured in a taxi-related shooting incident which took place in the Brakpan CBD this morning.
Brakpan SAPS responded to the incident and seven suspects were arrested. Firearms and ammunition were confiscated.
According to police spokesperson Captain Pearl van Staad, the taxi-related violence started in Tsakane the previous day.
Eyewitness speaks about traumatising experience
The Herald was on the scene and spoke to local resident Estelle Bakkes (43) who rushed her children to safety when the shooting started.
She was standing on her stoep when she noticed a gang of men walking down the street
“When I saw the men I thought to myself ‘here comes trouble’ and when I turned around I heard the shots being fired.”
Bakkes then ran inside to fetch her children.
She described the group as a “huge gang” that carried long sticks.
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Police are still on the scene and a full scale investigation into the incident is underway.
More information to follow as soon as it becomes available.
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