Another taxi war has erupted and this time at the back door of Limpopo, Hoedspruit.
This is after ten taxi operators were on Friday, Janaury 25, arrested for attempted murder and damage to property.
According to the Limpopo Police spokesperson, Colonel Ngoepe, these suspects aged between 26 and 44 were arrested soon after a shootout erupted as a result of the conflict over routes in the area.
“The feud over these routes has been brewing since December 2018 and despite the intervention by the relevant authorities, the factions seem hellbent on causing havoc,” stated Ngoepe.
The shooting incident allegedly took place at around 13:00 on Friday, after one association hired security vehicles to escort their taxis operating in a disputed area. According to the police the security vehicles were confronted and chased away by a group of people believed to be members a rivalry Taxi Association.
“The occupants of these security vehicles responded by shooting at taxis of these people,” continued Ngoepe.
Three men sustained serious injuries and three Toyota Quantums belonging to the local Taxi association were also damaged during the shootout.
The police were called and immediately responded, joined by members of Tactical Response Team (TRT). Ten suspects were then cornered and arrested after a car chase.
Two rifles with 20 live ammunition; four pistols; two vehicles, a Toyota Corolla and NP200, allegedly belonging to the suspects were recovered during the arrest.
The suspects are set to appear before the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Janaury 28, and will be facing charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has condemned the acts of violence within the Taxi industry and urged all involved to engage the relevant authorities to solve their problems.
Police investigations are still continuing.
