On Thursday, 6 February 2020, a multidisciplinary operation was conducted on Isaiah Ntshangase Road in Durban following investigations into a spate of incidents related to violence within the taxi industry.
The team proceeded to the parking lot of a business premises where a 25-year-old suspect was found in possession of three pistols; two rifles and 87 rounds of ammunition. He was arrested for being in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Police proceeded into the business premises where two security guards were arrested for failing to safeguard their firearms. A 39-year-old man was also arrested at the same premises as he was sought for an attempted murder case committed in Montclair last year.
On 12 September 2019, a 37-year-old taxi owner was shot and wounded while at Kenyon Howden Road in Montclair. He was injured on his leg and was taken to hospital for medical attention. A case of attempted murder was opened at Montclair SAPS for further investigation.
The firearms which were seized will be subjected to ballistic tests to establish if they were used in any other crimes within the province. All four men are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrates Court.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula praised the team for the arrest of the suspects. “It is pleasing to note that there have been a number of breakthroughs in cases related to taxi violence. We have a zero tolerance approach towards violence within the taxi industry as in many cases innocent bystanders are caught up in the attacks between rivals,” he said.
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