Taxi violence claims two lives

Fears of another taxi war breaking out are high, following two shootings involving rival taxi associations during the past week.

Two taxi operators were gunned down last Thursday on the R102, near the Umfolozi FET Chief Albert Luthuli campus. They were
KwaDukuza taxi owner Dennis Mhlongo (48) and his driver (25). They were allegedly attacked while still in their minibus.

Provincial spokesperson colonel Jay Naicker said Mhlongo, 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. Mhlongo and his driver died at the scene while the other three passengers managed to flee unharmed.”

Police arrested Justice Mthethwa (50), Mbhekiseni Luthuli (27) and Mthunzi Mathenjwa (29) who were in possession of two R5 rifles and a revolver. People lined King Shaka Street outside the KwaDukuza magistrate’s court on Monday when the men appeared.

The court appearance was followed by a second shooting at the Stanger taxi rank around 11am.

Stanger resident Slingene Mpanza said she, vendors and other commuters ran and hid in neighbouring shops when taxi owners opened fire.

“We were in there for over an hour because we were scared of coming out. The situation is getting really dangerous.”

A Stanger matric pupil was standing near Boxer Superette at the time.

“The rank was empty but there were a few men standing around, who I think were bodyguards. A man started spilling petrol around and then threw a helmet onto the floor. I think this was a signal because the shooting started straight after.”

The pupil and her three friends ran into the vegetable market and lay on the floor until the shooting stopped.

“We are happy to be alive but still in shock. We are writing finals and I hope this will not affect the taxis to and from school,” she said.

KwaDukuza SAPS communications officer constable S’busiso Khumalo said no one was injured during the Stanger shooting.

“We are keeping a close eye on the situation and we ask everyone to stay calm. There is no reason to panic.”

The Groutville shooting 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 in the arrest of two suspects.

“It is unacceptable that people can be gunned down so callously with total 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.

The case was postponed to Thursday, October 24.

A fourth suspect was arrested in connection with the murders in Shakaskraal yesterday.

The 42-year-old man was found with a 9mm pistol and 13 live rounds

KwaDukuza – A fourth man linked to the murder of two men in Groutville was arrested on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal police said.

Naicker said the 42-year-old man was arrested in Shakaskraal, Umhlali.

“(He) was found in possession of a 9mm pistol with 13 live rounds. He will be charged with two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder as well as possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.”