On Thursday morning around 10 am, a shooting incident unfolded in Sutherland Street, Mthatha, near a garage commonly used by taxis for parking and passenger pick-up.
The sudden eruption of gunfire resulted in six individuals sustaining injuries. Eyewitnesses recounted that the chaos began with an altercation between unidentified individuals, which quickly escalated into a violent exchange of gunshots.
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According to police spokesperson Col Priscilla Naidu, the authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on six counts of attempted murder.
In a statement issued later in the day, local authorities condemned the violence and assured the public that measures are being taken to prevent further incidents.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety of our community and are working diligently to bring those responsible to justice,” said Col Naidu. “We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us in our investigation.”
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The incident has sparked a wave of concern among residents and commuters who frequent the area, prompting calls for increased security and stricter regulation of taxi operations. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, awaiting further updates from law enforcement officials.
Taxi-related violence has become a significant concern in the province, with recent incidents highlighting the severity of this issue. Over the past two days alone, a total of 18 people have been injured, and two others have lost their lives in a separate taxi violence incident in Maclear, Eastern Cape.