Suspect believed to be linked to taxi industry killings arrested
“We are confident that the investigation team will unearth more information to ensure the suspect receives a harsher sentence.”
A 37-year-old suspect believed to be linked to a series of killings in the taxi industry was recently arrested in Katlehong.
The suspect was arrested on June 28 by Gauteng Traffic Police’s Public Transport Intervention Unit with assistance from members of the SAPS Pops Unit.
Sello Maremane, Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson, said the Gauteng taxi industry has in recent times been marred by incidents of killings of taxi owners and operators.
He said it is believed the suspect is linked to an incident that occurred last year in the Tshwane district, outside Pretoria Pathology Services where a traffic officer of Gauteng Traffic Police and a member of SAPS were injured.
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One person also lost his life during the incident.
During his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition.
The suspect is expected to face charges related to murder, illegal possession of a firearm and live ammunition in court soon.
“The Gauteng Traffic Police commend the work of the members belonging to the Public Transport Intervention Unit and SAPS in the province for acting swiftly to arrest the suspect linked to a series of killings in the taxi industry,” said Maremane.
“Gauteng Traffic Police will continue to enforce the rule of law and order in the taxi industry without fear.
“We are confident that the investigation team will unearth more information to ensure the suspect receives a harsher sentence.
“The Gauteng Traffic Police appeals to taxi operators not to take the law into their own hands by killing each other to resolve their conflicts.”
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za
