Police are investigating a double murder and an attempted murder case as a result of a shooting incident at Nyanga Taxi Rank.
The shooting has created mounting concerns over a resurgence of taxi violence in the Western Cape.
Also read: CT mayor says taxi strike unrest and violence could have been avoided
Daily Maverick reports the deceased were attacked as they exited the Holy Cross Church in Nyanga where the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) conducted a meeting.
Nkululeko Sityebi, spokesperson for Cata said the motive for the shooting is unknown; he appealed to the police to thoroughly investigate and apprehend the perpetrators.
Last year, the city of Cape Town experienced an eight-day taxi strike that resulted in numerous violent acts, fatalities, and significant economic consequences, leaving hundreds of residents stranded.
The adverse effects were particularly felt in economically disadvantaged areas, where 16% of businesses reported difficulties in transporting workers from Khayelitsha.
The strike, initiated abruptly by the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) on 3 August was primarily in response to taxi impoundments.
Also read: Taxi strike update: Violence flares up in parts of Cape Town
Nceba Enge, spokesperson for Santaco, said the association was still in disbelief at the shootings and stated, ‘There is no fight between Cata and Codeta, this incident left us shocked. We are looking into the cause and are calling for calm from our members and commuters at large.’
SA Police (SAPS) spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the incident, which occurred at around 1pm on Wednesday, 17 January.
‘The motive for this incident forms part of the police investigation. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.’
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or by using the My SAPS mobile application.
Also read:
Picture @2oceansvibe / Twitter
Instagram Picture: JP Smith / Facebook