Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a prominent taxi owner and his driver.

Members of the provincial taxi violence task team arrested the men in Prospecton hours after they allegedly shot and killed the 48-year-old taxi owner and his driver (25) in Groutville in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The men were apparently shot while still in their minibus.

Provincial spokesperson colonel Jay Naicker said the taxi owner, his driver and three others were accosted by eight men with guns.

“The suspects forced them out of their vehicle and opened fire on them. The taxi owner and his driver died instantly at the scene while the other three victims managed to flee unharmed.”

The two suspected gunmen, aged between 27 and 50, were found with two R5 rifles and a revolver.

They will appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The shooting has attracted attention from high-ranking provincial officials, with transport MEC Willies Mchunu calling the murders “disgusting.”

“This incident is unacceptable as it undermines the progress that has been made by government in addressing taxi conflict in the area,” he said.

Provincial SAPS commissioner lieutenant general Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended the task team for their early breakthrough.

“It is unacceptable that people can be gunned down so callously with no disregard for the life of another human being. We are confident that the remaining suspects will be brought to book and we will ensure that they are punished for their crimes,” she said.