Stern warning to Nongoma taxi owners
Nongoma has been plagued by incidents of taxi conflict and faction fights, which have resulted in scores of people being killed
KWAZULU-NATAL MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, has called on the Nongoma Taxi Association to resolve its disputes amicably or face the consequences of having their operations shut down.
He issued the warning at a marathon meeting attended by the Nongoma Taxi Association on Friday.
The meeting follows the killing of five taxi commuters in the KwaDabhasi area last week Monday.
Nongoma has been plagued by incidents of taxi conflict and faction fights, which have resulted in scores of people being killed.
In KwaDabhasi alone, police are investigating more than 20 murder cases since 2014.
Since his appointment as MEC last year, Kaunda has made a number of interventions to try and bring peace and stability in the area.
Apart from increasing police visibility in the area, Kaunda has brought the warring factions together and held a number of meetings to find a lasting solution to the conflict.
This process led to a community meeting last year where the feuding groups declared publicly that they would cease violent conflict.
‘We condemned the recent killings as it undermine the peace process we have initiated, making the area relatively stable since last year,’ said Kaunda.
Police visibility
Before the Monday shooting, police maintained a strong presence in the area, with the Public Order Police permanently stationed at the taxi rank.
Police conducted operations in KwaDabhasi that resulted in the arrest of two people found in possession of illegal firearms the night before the shooting.
At a meeting with the Nongoma Taxi Association executive, Kaunda outlined a process of bringing peace and stability to the area, including engaging people who are believed to be at the centre of the conflict.
‘We are also finalising plans of establishing a satellite police station in KwaDabhasi to ensure high visibility,’ said Kaunda.
He commended the police for conducting intensive operations in the areas since last week, which resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects who were in possession of illegal firearms, including six AK47 rifles on Wednesday.
Kaunda said that police were also monitoring the situation in Tongaat, Dolphin Coast, uMbumbulu, Umzimkhulu and Pomeroy where there have been killings of taxi operators and municipal office bearers.
‘I have asked the police to work around the clock to find the perpetrators of these crimes,’ said Kaunda.
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