Minibus taxi burnt out by armed suspects near Hazyview
Six armed suspects forced everyone to get out of a minibus taxi in Oakley, fired some shots at random and set the taxi alight for reasons as yet unknown. The police are now looking for a motive, as well as the suspects.
Six armed suspects set fire to a minibus taxi in Oakley near Hazyview on Wednesday January 17 after having ordered its driver and occupants to exit the vehicle.
A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the incident occurred at about 12:30.
He said the taxi was transporting some commuters and had stopped to pick up more people on a road in Oakley when a blue sedan with six people stopped next to it.
He said six men, wearing balaclavas and armed with firearms, got out of the sedan and ordered the driver and commuters to exit the taxi. Once all the occupants had gotten out, the suspects allegedly began firing shots randomly and then set the taxi alight.
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No one was injured during the incident, however, the taxi was completely burnt out.
The incident was reported to the Calcutta police and a case of malicious damage to property was opened. Mdhluli said the motive for the incident is unclear at this stage.
No arrests have been made yet, and the police ask that anyone with information should call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
