On 13 December 2019, six men aged between 36 and 54 appeared in the Eshowe Magistrates Court for attempted murder and arson. They were remanded into custody until 19 December 2019, for a bail application. The accused who are taxi owners and security guards, were arrested by police officers from the Provincial Taxi Task Team and Public Order Police Unit in the Sundumbili policing precinct.
It is alleged that on 7 December 2019, at 15:30, a 26 year old minibus taxi driver was loading passengers when a group of men armed with firearms shot at him. He sped off and lost control of the minibus taxi. The shooters allegedly set the minibus taxi alight. When the taxi owner arrived at the scene, shots were also fired at him and his vehicle was also set alight.
Cases of attempted murder and arson were opened at the Sundumbili police station for investigation. The docket was transferred to the Provincial Taxi Task Team for investigation. Following a swift and thorough investigation, the suspects were arrested.
Police also seized two rifles and a pistol with a total of 90 rounds of ammunition from the security guards.
“We will not tolerate violence in the taxi industry and we will ensure that those who fuel this violence face the full might of law,” said the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula.
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