Following the December 2 shooting at the corner of New Road and Barbet Street in Carlswald, in which two Alexander Taxi Association (ATA) taxi bosses were killed, Midrand residents have raised concerns about the rise in taxi-related violence in their area.

The incident has intensified fears about the ongoing conflict linked to the taxi industry. Since August last year, there have been four fatal taxi-related killings and one attempted taxi-related shooting.

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On August 20, two taxi bosses were almost killed after hitmen allegedly opened fire on them at the corner of Olifantsfontein and Lever roads in Noordwyk. This was followed by the fatal shooting of three Ivory Park Taxi Association (IPTA) patrollers on December 4, who were ambushed and killed on Freedom Drive.

Newly elected IPTA treasurer Lefa Matemane was shot and killed in a hail of bullets – allegedly 27 shots were fired – on New Road in Midrand on June 4. Police confirmed that one suspect was arrested in relation to Matemane’s killing.

On September 16, ATA-affiliated taxi boss Xolani Ngubane (55) was also ambushed and killed in a hail of bullets on Liebenberg Road in Noordwyk. Ngubane’s white Toyota Fortuner was found with about 80 bullet holes, and roughly 40 cartridges were retrieved at the scene.

Noordwyk Residents Association (NRA) chairperson Bonginkosi Nhlapo said even one murder was too much.

“Right in our ward. The national government really needs to step up and deal with crime in our area and assist the Midrand police. I feel like there have been too many shootings, involving mostly taxi bosses. There was one on Kiaat Street and Olifantsfontein Road,” said Nhlapo.

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He said the community was not feeling safe.
NRA secretary Charlene Van Onselen said there was far more going on in Midrand beyond the taxi killings.

“There is a dire need to double or even triple the resources in terms of police and traffic police in our area if need be. Midrand is such a big area, and I urge residents to form a strong residents association and volunteers to step up, join CPFs, and unite together to curb this alarming crime rate,” she said.

Meanwhile, Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said police have launched a manhunt for about three suspects regarding the recent incident in Carlswald.
He added that the perpetrators were driving a white sedan.

“The motive for the killing cannot be confirmed at this stage, although it is suspected to be related to taxi violence as both victims are reported to be taxi owners,” said Masondo.

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