The taxi violence in recent weeks has had many commuters in Krugersdorp concerned about their safety.
One of the first well-known recent incidents took place last month on October 18, when two taxi associations were involved in a standoff at the Krugersdorp Taxi Rank in the CBD. On that day the Krugersdorp News arrived on the scene to find the police and taxi drivers being involved in a heated confrontation. Things soon got out of hand when a News journalist was attacked by taxi drivers leading to damage of equipment.
It would soon be confirmed that the issues regarding taxi violence went beyond route disputes. Commuters have also revealed other issues near the taxi rank which include theft, damage to property and sanitation.
• Also read: Kagiso taxi chaos: Police confirm 13 arrests with arsenal of weapons seized
Mogale City Local Municipality’s (MCLM) communication officer Refilwe Mahlangu issued a public statement about illegal vendors at the taxi rank and made it clear that illegal activities are prohibited.
“Mogale City is obliged to implement and enforce its by-laws as well as other applicable legislation to address what can potentially become a major problem. Mogale City has given notice to all informal traders, illegal occupants, and invaders of the aforesaid municipal land and pavements to vacate the site. Failure to comply with this request, the municipality will impound and confiscate any movable or immovable goods on the property,” Mahlangu confirmed.
Following this incident in the CBD, two rival associations, believed to be Munsieville Taxi Association and Krudito engaged in a huge conflict. According to a taxi association member who requested to remain anonymous, two drivers were shot in the early hours of November 2. One driver was wounded and hospitalised, however, the other sadly passed away.
The second incident took place on November 8, after the News received a tip-off around 14:30 that day of violence taking place near a rank on the corner of Sebensiza Drive and Kagiso Avenue. Police confirmed that 13 arrests were made and a large number of ammunition and weapons were confiscated following the shooting that day.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, police services from the West Rand District arrived and found two groups shooting at each other. The groups involved were various security companies and members affiliated with two different taxi associations. When the police arrived at the scene, the occupants of the armored vehicle started to jump out and attempted to flee on foot. Thirteen people were arrested while also having their weapons confiscated.
“We seized 13 riffles, four pistols including scores of ammunition and magazines from the scene. One firearm was also found hidden at a nearby filling station,” said Nevhuhulwi.
Two people from one of the groups were injured during the shootout and taken to hospital.
The police also confirmed to the News that the seized firearms will be subjected to further investigations and ballistic testing to determine if they were not used in the commission of other serious and violent crimes.
These incidents leave many residents concerned. One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, saw one of the incidents unfold and expressed his concern for the safety of his children.
”It’s unfortunate that we are stuck in the middle of this conflict. My children walk to school every day so imagine all this takes place and they are in harm’s way.”
Residents are still without clarity as they believe more must be done to prevent such chaos.
