The Provincial Detectives’ Serious and Violent Crimes Taxi Unit has launched an investigation into two separate, brazen shooting incidents that left three people dead and six others wounded in what authorities believe are taxi-related attacks on Monday morning.
The first and most severe incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at a taxi rank on Ngqwangi Drive in Philippi East. According to police reports, a group of unknown armed men opened fire on a group of adults, aged between 35 and 43.
The attack resulted in six people being shot. One victim was declared deceased at the scene, while a second later succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. Four other men were transported to a medical facility for treatment. Three of the injured are taxi drivers listed in critical condition, while a passenger is reported to be in a stable condition.
In response, the Philippi East South African Police Service (SAPS) has registered two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder.
This shooting followed an earlier attack the same morning. At roughly 5:40 a.m., on the corner of Japhtha K Masemola Drive and Spine Road in Khayelitsha, two armed men approached the Vuyani taxi rank and began shooting.
A taxi driver was killed in the assault, and two other drivers were wounded. They were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Khayelitsha SAPS is investigating one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Preliminary investigative information suggests that the motives for both attacks are related to ongoing conflicts within the taxi industry.
In both cases, the suspects fled the scenes in an unidentified getaway vehicle and remain at large. No arrests have been made.
Authorities are urgently appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is encouraged to contact Detective Captain Lukhunyo Magadla directly at 082 411 3245. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be handled with strict confidentiality.
