Tension mounts as shots are fired and taxi war threatens

Last year, Newcastle was shocked by the escalation of taxi violence, which led to two related deaths and several injuries.

In recent weeks, the taxi violence has seemingly flamed up once more after a taxi boss was killed in oSizweni on January 19.

The man was gunned down by hit men in a white Ford Focus as he approached the Msomi bus stop.

According to a report by police spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela, the deceased was 55 years old.

“The victim was shot in the neck and the arm, fatally wounding him,” said Capt. Magudulela.

Although police reports stated the motive for the murder was still being investigated, Capt. Magudulela later confirmed that it was believed the incident was in direct correlation to the growing violence among rival taxi associations.

Prior to the festive season, extra police officers and reservists had to be brought in to curb violent outbreaks.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a taxi driver explained: “The routes are busy at this time of the year. Also the bosses want to get the new routes for this year. So they are doing these things. They don’t care about us. We get shot first because they just sit at the meetings making decisions.”

Although there was no prior related incidents to the shooting in oSizweni, the driver and other sources confirmed circumstances were tense during the festive season and months prior to the festive season, with many taxi operators fearing to go to work everyday.

“We don’t know anymore. Today we are okay. Tomorrow one guy is going to shoot us from his window.”

According to sources the situation was too precarious to tell whether the violence would once again erupt.

Following the shooting in oSizweni, sources revealed retaliation had been planned, although this was prior to the violent clash between taxi drivers at Newcastle Mall on January 21.

The two incidents have not yet been linked. Following last year’s taxi wars, the Taxi Intervention Unit (TIU) was established as prescribed by Provincial SAPS. The unit has been tasked with preventing violence within the Newcastle Taxi Rank.

Sources revealed three suspects had been sentenced due to their involvement in the feud last year and one of the suspects was a police officer who had been given a sentence of 15 years.

When asked if the police feared another war, Capt. Magudulela replied: “At this time it is hard to tell. We will protect the community no matter what and will make sure that justice is delivered in the end.”

Following the incident of brutality at Newcastle Mall, speculation is rife that a war is about to begin again.

Tension is running high within the economic fraternities of the taxi industry, but many bosses are now looking for an amicable solution to the problems before more blood is shed.

However, one taxi driver’s words will leave an indelible impression.

Calmly, with a voice of steel and a hand resting on the knobkierie on his lap and the hint of metal glinting on the hip holster he said, “If they come for me. I’ll kill them.”