NEWCASTLE KZN: Two people injured during alleged fight over taxi trips
Witnesses claim a dispute over long distance taxi trips led to a driver pulling out a pistol.
Following a shooting incident reported at the Taxi City mall on Allen Street this morning (September 17), which is claimed to have left two people injured, chaos erupted in front of the Newcastle Police Station a short while ago.
One person has been transported to a local clinic for treatment of a gunshot wound, while another person is being held under armed protection at the Newcastle Police Station.
According to witnesses at the scene, a dispute between taxi drivers over long distance trips led to a heated exchange, and to one of the drivers brandishing a pistol.
“A security guard stepped in and sought to defuse the incident. He did, however, allegedly fire a shot at the suspect. As a result, the guard was assaulted by taxi drivers. The guard eventually managed to flee and sought protection inside the Newcastle Police Station,” said an eyewitness, who asked not to be named.
A convoy of taxis is said to have followed the guard to the police station, where chaos erupted after the drivers allegedly began to fight among each other. Police officials then set off a stun grenade to disperse the crowd.
Police officials conducted a search of one of the parked taxis, and stated they had found multiple firearms inside the vehicle. The occupants of the taxi have since been detained and will be questioned.
The Newcastle Advertiser has attempted to contact SAPS spokespeople for a statement on the incident. However, an official response was not available at the time of publication.
This is a developing story and will be updated once more information becomes known.
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