The Gauteng Traffic Police’s Public Transport Intervention Unit and members of the SAPS Pops Unit arrested a 37-year-old suspect linked to a series of killings in the taxi industry on June 28 in Katlehong.
According to SAPS, the Gauteng taxi industry has in recent times been marred by killings of taxi owners and operators.
The suspect is allegedly linked to an incident that happened in 2020 outside Pretoria Pathology Services, where a traffic officer belonging to Gauteng Traffic Police and a member of SAPS were injured. One person also lost his life during the incident.
During his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition.
The suspect is expected to appear in court shortly to face charges relating to murder, illegal possession of a firearm and live ammunition.
“The Gauteng Traffic Police commend the work of the members belonging to the Public Transport Intervention Unit and SAPS in the province for acting swiftly to arrest,” said Sello Maremane, Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson.
“The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue to enforce the rule of law and order in the taxi industry without fear. We are confident that the investigation team will unearth more information to ensure the suspect receives a harsher sentence. Lastly, we appeal to taxi operators not to take the law into their own hands by killing each other to resolve their conflicts.”
