The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene is urging feuding taxi associations operating in the Lusikisiki/Port St Johns areas to work together and find amicable solutions to their ongoing disagreements which are now culminating into tragic violence where lives are been lost.
Preliminary reports indicate that this morning, (time unknown), two taxi associations were engaged in a shootout at the Port St Johns taxi rank. It is further alleged that three security officials from one taxi association from Lusikisiki were fatally injured while five other persons from the Port St Johns side sustained gunshot wounds. In the ensuing attack, an 11-year-old boy was hit by a stray bullet and was taken to hospital for treatment. Three vehicles were torched.
Multi-disciplinary forces are on the ground. A total of nine suspects have been arrested. Police will remain in the area until the situation stabilises.
Lieutenant General Mene has vehemently condemned such criminal behaviour. “Such lawlessness will not be tolerated as innocent lives are at risk. We immediately call on all stakeholders to come forward and engage in constructive discussions and urgently find a solution so as to avoid further loss of lives,” stated Lt Gen Mene.
