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It’s believed all those killed were taxi drivers returning from a funeral at Ematimotolo.
Police in Cape Town have offered a reward of R100,000 to anyone who will come forward with information regarding a fatal shooting that claimed four lives and left three others wounded including a commuter on Friday morning.
Deputy Police Commissioner in the Western Cape, General Bongani Maqashalala says large-caliber firearms were used in the mass shooting at the Mfuleni Taxi Rank in the Cape flats, but no suspects have been arrested so far.
“The suspects are at large leaving us more concerned about commuter safety. So, we have since deployed more police officers to protect commuters here and the Public Order Police are monitoring the roads using flying squad as well as traffic officers,” says Maqashalala.
Maqashalala says R100,000 is being offered to anyone who can come forward with information that may assist police in their investigation.
The Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, has expressed deep concern following the mass shooting.
“It’s heartsore for me to see what is happening in our communities and therefore, we are working closely with the Department of Social Development, Economic Development and Health to remedy our communities. We do have our leap officers that can help us to get crime down,” says Marais.
Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku says disputes must never be resolved through violence.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence. We cannot allow criminality to take hold of our public transport spaces and threaten the safety of innocent commuters and workers. I appeal to the community and the minibus taxi industry to stand united, remain calm, and fully support the police investigation. Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law,” says Sileku.
The Chairperson of the South African National Taxi Association Council (Santaco) Mandla Hermanus has confirmed that taxi operations in the Western Cape continue unhindered.
“Santaco will be meeting with the relevant taxi associations on Monday to establish a full account of the events and determine how we can restore stability and ensure there is no further escalation of the conflict. There can be no tolerance for violence in communities. Authorities must arrest those responsible,” says Hermanus.
