Security officer randomly opens fire, 2 people injured at a taxi rank, Musina

South African Police Service

Security officer randomly opens fire, 2 people injured at a taxi rank, Musina
Security officer randomly opens fire, 2 people injured at a taxi rank, Musina

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commends the Provincial Taxi Violence Investigation Unit and Musina Detectives for the well-coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of a 51-year-old suspect who allegedly shot and injured two people after a fight broke out at a local taxi rank in Musina on Monday, 3 April 2023 at about 16:00.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday after he handed himself to the police.

It is alleged that the suspect who is a security officer was involved in an argument with the taxi drivers after he accused them of blocking his motor vehicle. He apparently got out of the vehicle armed with a service rifle and pistol.

He started firing shots randomly, injuring a male taxi driver and a female street vendor. One Toyota Quantum and a private sedan were also damaged in the process. The suspect then fled the scene using the company motor vehicle.

Police and medical emergency services were called to the scene. The two victims were taken to the nearby hospital for medical care. Police then commenced with initial investigations and fourteen (14) cartridges were discovered on the scene.

Police also recovered a 9mm pistol which possibly belonged to the suspect hidden inside a dustbin.

During the arrest, police confiscated one rifle, one magazine and 7 live ammunition. The suspect was further charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition after it was established that the firearm license for both firearms had expired.

Police have opened two counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm in a public place, two counts of malicious damage to property and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The motive for the incident is not yet known, however police investigations are underway.

“This should serve as warning to other community members that police will not tolerate any acts of violence and perpetrators should face the full might of the law,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The suspect will appear in Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 6 April 2023.

SAPS Newsroom

SOURCESouth African Police Service