Taxi war erupts in Limpopo
A conflict over the routes in the area resulted in a shootout between rival taxi associations.
Some of the weapons recovered during the weekend’s arrests. Image: Letaba Herald
A taxi war has erupted in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, after ten taxi operators were arrested for attempted murder and damage to property on Friday, reports Letaba Herald.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Ngoepe, the 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.
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The shooting incident allegedly took place at around 1pm 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 of a rival taxi association.
“The occupants of these security vehicles responded by shooting at [the] 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. Ten suspects were cornered and arrested after a car chase.
Two rifles with 20 live ammunition, four pistols, and 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 Court on Monday and will be facing charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo SAPS, 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 continuing.
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