By Kopano Dibakwane
A taxi driver, identified as July Shabangu(41), was shot and later succumbed to injuries at Matikwana hospital, while two other taxi operators and one member of the public sustained gunshot wounds, following an incident of taxi violence in Oakley, Mkhuhlu-Calcutta, near Bushbuckridge on 28 March.
According to a media statement by Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, a crossfire allegedly ensued after disputes between members of taxi associations in the area turned violent. About fifteen minibus taxis were reportedly damaged.
” Unfortunately, a life has already been lost. The matter was elevated to the police in Calcutta after the death of the taxi driver. The investigators are probing a case of murder with three counts of attempted murder and malicious damage to property,” he said.
A taxi driver was shot and later succumbed to injuries at Matikwana hospital, while two other taxi operators and one member of the public sustained gunshot wounds, following an incident of taxi violence in Oakley, near Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.https://t.co/CocUL0NlmZ pic.twitter.com/tVOG6NujXw
— 🇿🇦Emsamo🗞️ (@Emsamo_News) March 29, 2023
Another kombi was allegedly torched and several shots fired at the house of a taxi operator at Hlalakahle-Mkhuhlu, in the evening of the same day, but no injuries were reported.
Mohlala said that police in Mpumalanga, the department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison(DCSSL), Transport Inspectorate and other relevant stakeholders have called for calm and they are on high alert following the violent altercation.
” No one has been arrested with regard to this incident, however, police are continuing with (their) investigation,” he said.
CAPTION: Minibus taxis damaged during violent altercation between taxi associations in Oakley, Bushbuckridge
