A call for the deployment of officers after taxi shooting

There has been a call for an increased deployment of law enforcement to ensure visibility and safety of commuters.

This follows a shoot-out at the KwaNdengezi taxi rank in Pinetown where a 25-year-old man was shot and killed and the brutal killing of four taxi drivers earlier on Tuesday in Port Shepstone.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Pinetown police are investigating a case of murder after police responded to reports of a shooting at the KwaNdengezi taxi rank on Anderson Road in Pinetown.

“Upon arrival at the scene, a body of a 25-year-old man was found with gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene. The killers are unknown at this stage. While the motive for the killing is yet to be established, we have not ruled out taxi-related violence,” said Colonel Netshiunda.

This shooting followed another shooting incident that claimed the lives of four taxi drivers in the Port Shepstone area, south of Durban, on the same day.

Preliminary reports from police indicate that unknown men approached a taxi and opened fire on occupants. Four of the occupants died as a result of the shooting, while four others were transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison Sipho Hlomuka has made the call for more visibility saying “violence has never resolved any conflict”.

"As government, we have always stated that there are various avenues to resolve conflict without resorting to violence. Violence has never resolved any conflict. Instead, innocent lives are lost. As government, we shall continue to encourage dialogue in order to reach any common understanding. We have directed the police, Public Enforcement Unit from the Department of Transport and local traffic authorities to increase visibility and patrols within the premises of the taxi rank. We wish to extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish those injured a speedy recovery,“ said Mr Hlomuka.

Mr Hlomuka said he has also directed the KZN Department of Transport Public Regulatory Entity to meet with the Department of Transport and the affected taxi associations in an attempt to de-escalate any tensions and find long-lasting peaceful solutions.

Police spokesman Brigadier Jay Naicker said police have issued an appeal to anyone who can assist to contact Crime Stop on 0860 010 111 or to report any leads via the MySAPSapp.