The Middelburg Observer received complaints from concerned motorists regarding the taxis.

When the journalists visited the scene at 12:30, they found long-distance taxi operators who explained “they were patrolling the area to deter hitchhikers and offer transportation to those in need”.

They said their objective was to ensure that motorists did not inadvertently pick up potential hijackers who should be using their services.

• Last Friday, a shooting incident occurred on the N11, where eyewitnesses reported that rival taxi members were shooting at each other.

• Motorists also reported “men with big guns” next to the road.

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Shooting victims confirmed in ongoing taxi clashes on N11