Three Ivory Park Taxi Association patrollers killed in two separate incidents on busy road
The three patrollers were killed while travelling in two different cars on Freedom Drive in Ivory Park.
Three Ivory Park Taxi Association (IPTA) patrollers were gunned down in the township’s busiest street, Freedom Drive.
The patrollers were killed on December 4, in two different vehicles, exactly a month since revered IPTA chairperson Buti Johannes Mkonza died in hospital.
A Midrand Reporter source, who requested not to be named for fear of victimisation, said the incident occurred during peak-hour traffic around 5pm. “There are fears that this could be a taxi-related violence since the passing of Mkonza,” said the source.
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The publication contacted Ivory Park police spokesperson Ben Matimulane, who referred us to Ekurhuleni police spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela.
Sekgobela, then directed Midrand Reporter to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
Nevhuhulwi confirmed that three people were shot dead and one wounded.
“Two victims were found dead in one vehicle with gunshot wounds and two more victims were found in another different vehicle not far from the first one. One of the victims was declared dead while the other one was taken to a local hospital. Both vehicles belong to a taxi association,” said Nevhuhulwi.
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She said the motive of the shooting was not clear at this stage and the perpetrators were unknown.
Mmatshikidi Rebecca Phala, South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) spokesperson was contacted to inquire if they knew the motive for the killings and whether the shootings would spark off more taxi violence. She referred us to Santaco Greater Johannesburg public relations officer Sabata Mbobo.
Mbobo said, “We are aware of this violence. We cannot comment on this matter as it is being handled by the police.”
In the article, Taxi boss’ peace legacy, [Week ending 15 November], Santaco president Mothlabane Abnar Tsebe vowed to work hard to ensure that IPTA did not find itself in a ‘war zone.’
Tsebe said the late Mkonza had worked hard to end taxi violence in the area and across the province.
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Related article: Santaco president: Ivory Park Taxi Association violence has no place in Ivory Park
