Taxi war erupts in Bergville
A state witness was later killed, allegedly to protect the other accused
Over several weeks, a smouldering taxi faction feud has erupted into a full wild-west style clan war, leaving 5 people dead. The war has caught Bergville police off-guard, as they scramble to restore order in the Istilwan area of Bergville.
According to the SAPS communication liaison officer, members of the Nyoka and Hlongwane (Dladla) clans were at one time working together. The group, in 2014, allegedly carried out a hit in Gauteng.
Fast-acting police nabbed several suspects, and some of the arrested suspects turned state witness.
A state witness was killed, allegedly to protect other accused. This caused an alleged rift between the two clans.
As tension between the two clans grew locally, several multi-disciplinary meetings were held involving, among others, the SAPS, the Department of Community Safety & Liaison, councillors, Indunas, Inkosi and the two clans to diffuse the situation.
After several meetings, both clans appeared to accept a peace plan.
However, shortly afterwards, the simmering tensions between the two clans erupted, with attacks on both clans carried out, leaving 4 men dead.
On Saturday at 8.15am, a man was getting out of a vehicle in Tatham Road in Bergville when he was shot. As he collapsed on the ground, one of his attackers approached him and fired multiple rounds into his face at point-blank range.
A case of murder is being investigated. The victim has not been identified, but he is believed to be the 5th victim in the ongoing Nyoka / Hlongwane war.
A Cluster investigation team was set up to investigate the allegations of murder and attempted murder. Police recovered two bullet-proof vests belonging to another state department, an AK-47, a .303 rifle and three 9mm pistols during raids.
“No further details on individual cases can be released at this time due to the sensitivity of the situation and in order to protect the investigation which is currently underway. Ongoing operations are conducted in hot spot areas.”
Police appeal to anyone who might have information about illegal firearms or any wanted suspects to come forward and give them information. “It is important that both sides sit down and resolve their differences peacefully,” said police spokesperson Captain Charmaine Struwig.
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