Police have launched a manhunt for suspects driving a silver Audi who shot and killed one person and wounded five others on the K101 in what is being dubbed a taxi route dispute in Midrand.
Provincial police spokesperson Major Mack Mngomezulu said in the evening on 19 April, taxi owners from Ivory Park Taxi Association and Alexandra Taxi Association were allegedly patrolling the route at the time of the incident. “Witnesses told police that the Audi… came through and opened fire. No arrests have been made yet. A case of murder and attempted murder have been opened.”
Ivory Park Taxi Association chairperson Johannes Mkhonza said the association is mourning the loss of their member and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. Mkonza mentioned that this morning, law enforcement officers impounded Ivory Park taxis as part of the investigation and most of the people in Ivory Park did not have transport to work.
He explained that the taxi route dispute has been an ongoing issue and the Department of Transport has intervened in the past.
“The dispute is over developments along the K101 and Allandale Road. In 2014, the Ivory Park Taxi Association and Alexandra Taxi Association had an agreement with the Department of Transport on taxi routes. Representatives from the department brought a map to show us which routes belong to Ivory Park and which belong to Alexandra,” said Mkonza.
He revealed that Alexandra taxis coming from the Johannesburg CBD dropped off Ivory Park passengers on the K101 and Allandale Road, and minutes later there was shooting.
“The route rightfully belongs to Ivory Park Taxi Association as we service President Park, the outskirts of Midrand and the K101 and Allandale areas,” added Mkonza.
The Alexandra Taxi Association has been contacted for comment. Updates to follow.
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