Taxi driver killed and three wounded in Mkhuhlu
A SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said that the public needs to resolve matters in a civil manner rather than resolving matters through violence.
Mpumalanga police, in collaboration with Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison transport inspectorate and other stakeholders, are on high alert after the taxi violence that occurred at Oakley, Mkhuhlu in which a taxi operator died on Tuesday March 28.
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During the incident, three others came under fire, two other taxi operators and one civilian.
According to Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, a provincial police spokesperson, there were disputes between members of taxi associations in the area which turned violent and led to the alleged crossfire among taxi operators.
Mohlala said one of the taxi drivers, identified as July Shabangu (41), was shot and sustained wounds and is currently at Matikwana Hospital.
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Mohlala did not identify the others who were wounded. “Two other taxi operators were shot, but only sustained some wounds, while a member of the public sustained wounds after being shot during this incident. Windows and tyres of about 15 minibuses were reportedly damaged during the incident which occurred on Tuesday, March 28 around 10:00. One minibus was torched in the evening.”
“The matter was elevated to the police in Calcutta after the death of the taxi driver in hospital. The investigators are probing a case of murder, three counts of attempted murder and malicious damage to property,” he said
“The damage to the minibuses in the morning was just the beginning of things, as another kombi was torched at Hlalakahle in Mkhuhlu the same day around 23:30. It is further alleged that several shots were fired at the house of a taxi operator with one shot damaging a bedroom window,” he explained.
“No one has been arrested with regard to this incident, however, police are continuing with their investigation. We strongly condemn the violent behaviour and urge the public to resolve matters in a civil manner rather than resolving matters through violence”
