Update: MEC Kaunda calls for urgent meeting after taxi boss shooting
MEC Kaunda has dedicated the full day on Thursday to establish if there are new emerging tensions within taxi operations in the area
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Mr Mxolisi Kaunda has convened an urgent meeting with security agencies and taxi operators in Ladysmith following the killing of the deputy chairperson of the Klipriver Taxi Association, Mr Samson Hlatshwayo.
Preliminary reports revealed that on Sunday (September 23), Hlatshwayo was shot dead near Aller Park Farm while driving to his home.
A police provincial task team is now investigating the case and is working hard to further establish the details and circumstances surrounding this callous shooting.
MEC Kaunda has dedicated the full day on Thursday (September 27) to seek to establish if there are new emerging tensions within taxi operations in the area.
Last year, Kaunda suspended operations by both the Sizwe Taxi Association and Klipriver Taxi Association following a series of killings of operators and innocent passengers. Since 2014, more than 61 taxi operators have been killed in the area.
The suspension was extended by six months in June this year, set to elapse in December.
This is due to both associations failing to agree on co-operation and reaching a peace agreement.
After a huge outcry by commuters, Kaunda relaxed the suspension and allowed local operations to continue, with the suspension only affecting long-distance operations.
He further warned the operators that should there be any violent conflicts and deaths relating to taxi operations, he would not hesitate to take decisive action and apply all legal avenues available.
Initial: Taxi war flares up, #taxiboss shot dead near Ladysmith
Also read: Update: MEC for Transport extends taxi route suspension in Ladysmith for a further 6 months
Commenting after receiving the report, MEC Kaunda said that government was committed to ensuring the safety of passengers and operators in the area, and that all necessary steps will be taken in bringing those implicated in the murder of Hlatshwayo to book.
“We are deeply disturbed by the latest incident. At this stage, police are investigating the motive behind Hlatshwayo’s death and we urge any person with information which may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators to come forward and help the police.
On behalf of the government of KZN, we send our deepest condolences to the Hlatshwayo family.
As government, we will continue to work hard in ensuring that Ladysmith is peaceful. We cannot allow anyone to reverse the gains we have made in stabilising over the past years,” said Kaunda.
Police will remain on high alert in the area to ensure that there is peace and stability.
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