Ten suspects are expected to appear in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court today (Monday) facing charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property after they were arrested in connection with taxi violence on Friday.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe indicated that the suspects are aged between 26 and 44 years and were arrested after an alleged shoot-out between taxi operators following reported conflict over routes in the area.
Ngoepe indicated that a feud that had allegedly been brewing over routes in the area since December turned into a shooting incident at around 13:00 on Friday.
One of the group of taxi operators allegedly hired security vehicles to escort operating taxis on one of the disputed routes. Members of the other group reportedly chased the security vehicles from the area when, according to Ngoepe, the occupants of the security vehicles then opened fire on the taxis.
Three people were seriously wounded and three minibus taxis damaged.
The Police’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) was summoned to the scene where ten suspects were arrested and two rifles, four pistols, two vehicles and several live rounds of ammunition confiscated.
Investigations continue.
Story: RC Myburgh
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