The taxi violence reared its ugly head at eMalahleni when two suspects appeared in Witbank Magistrate’s Court following the death of taxi owners who were shot dead.
The two suspects appeared on Monday, December 14 for murder.
The taxi owners, Mr Collen Maseko and Mr Vusi Innocent Shongwe died while driving the Local Taxi Association (Lota) patrol car. They were part of the disciplinary committee of the local association.
The patrol car was riddled with about 19 bullets holes all over it and in the seats.
Mr Solly Vilane, the chairperson of the association said it was a great loss to the organisation; the pair was very dedicated in their work and brought something new into the organisation.
“They were part of a working team to keep law and order in our operations, their work was to call other drivers into order and bringing drivers who are out of order to appear before the disciplinary committee. It is sad that other members did not want to comply and wanted to do as they please leading to the two losing their lives,” said Mr Vilane.
Mr Maseko’s funeral was held on Saturday, December 12 while Mr Shongwe was laid to rest on Sunday, December 13.
The case of the two suspects has been postponed to Monday, December 21 for a bail application.
A text message was sent to Colonel Mdluli for comment about the case and a follow-up will be done later.
