Concerns over escalating taxi violence in Ekurhuleni have intensified after two members of the Katlehong People’s Taxi Association (KAPTA) were gunned down in Katlehong on May 19, marking yet another deadly incident linked to ongoing disputes within the taxi industry.

The shooting, which occurred behind Katlehong Crossing Shopping Centre, also left a third KAPTA patroller injured and hospitalised.

This is after armed suspects travelling in two vehicles allegedly opened fire on the victims before fleeing the scene.

Police reportedly recovered more than 60 cartridges at the scene.

The two men were declared dead on site, while the injured victim was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

The latest attack adds to a growing list of violent taxi-related incidents reported in Ekurhuleni in less than a month, raising serious concerns over the safety of both drivers and passengers who rely on public transport daily.

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On May 11, a passenger was fatally shot, and a taxi driver was injured during a shooting incident.

According to reports, unknown suspects opened fire on a taxi, killing a passenger and wounding the driver before fleeing the scene.

The incident sent shockwaves through the community, with residents voicing fears over recurring violence in the area.

Just weeks earlier, on April 28, 19-year-old Bokamoso Moraga was shot and killed in a suspected taxi violence attack in Zonkizizwe.

Moraga had reportedly only been working as a taxi driver for two months at the time of his death.

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Speaking after the incident, one of Moraga’s friends, who also worked as a taxi driver, said that he quit the industry immediately following the killing.

“All we were trying to do was feed our families, but it feels like we entered an industry with problems that started long before us,” he said.

“Now we are the ones left to suffer for issues we did not even know about. Losing my friend affected me deeply.”

KAPTA has since expressed deep concern over the continued taxi violence-related shootings despite previous engagements between the government and the taxi industry aimed at resolving disputes and restoring peace within the sector.

According to the association, the latest incident is believed to be linked to an ongoing dispute involving the Zonkizizwe splinter group, with the affected routes allegedly belonging to KAPTA.

The association also conveyed its condolences to the families of the deceased patrollers, describing the killings as devastating for the organisation and the broader taxi community.

Meanwhile, police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder. No arrests have been made, although the investigation is ongoing.

The continued killings have left commuters increasingly anxious, with many fearing they could become innocent victims caught in the crossfire.

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Residents and passengers have called for urgent intervention from authorities, saying stronger measures are needed to prevent further bloodshed and restore confidence in public transport.

Community members have also questioned how long commuters and drivers will continue living in fear while disputes within the taxi industry continue to turn deadly.

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