Swift response by police has led to the arrest of a suspect in the shooting death of a meter taxi association chairperson of Pretoria.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo says members of the rail police at the Pretoria station in the CBD heard the sound of gunfire and rushed to the scene last night.

“They noticed a man running towards the CBD carrying a firearm. When they asked him to stop, he fired at them and they returned fire,” Masondo adds.

The 30-year-old suspect was hurt and he surrendered.

“Police found a firearm and ammunition in his possession. A preliminary investigation revealed he is from Inanda in KZN, and had just shot a meter taxi owner dead. The firearm is believed to be the murder weapon.

“He is currently in hospital under police guard and will be charged with murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court as soon as he is discharged from hospital.”

Masondo says an investigation is underway to determine if he was involved in any other crime, particularly those related to taxi violence.