KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Mr Mxolisi Kaunda has ordered a full investigation into the murder of 11 people who were killed along the R74 between Colenso and Weenen, near Ladysmith, as they were returning from the funeral of a Gauteng taxi operator near Greytown.
MEC Kaunda at impound by Toyota Quantum involved in R74 shooting
The Toyota Quantum they were travelling in was ambushed by gunmen with high-powered rifles.
Four men are in hospital after the shooting, three in a stable condition and one critical.
MEC Kaunda visited the scene of the shooting on the R74 between Colenso and Weenen today.
He has strongly condemned the incident and has called on the police to work around the clock to ensure that the suspects are apprehended and face the full might of the law.
On behalf of the provincial government, Kaunda expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the 11 deceased and wished the four victims who survived a speedy recovery.
Kaunda also distanced the incident from the ongoing taxi conflicts in Ladysmith, which have resulted in the suspension of some operations of the Sizwe and Klipriver taxi associations.
“We have not found any link that this incident is related with the taxi conflicts in Ladysmith or anywhere else in the province. The areas have been stable since government intervened in the area. There are strong indications, however, that this incident is related with taxi conflict in Gauteng,” said Kaunda.
Initial story: Breaking news: 11 dead in mass shooting along the R74, KZN
Police are currently investigating 11 murder cases and two attempted murder cases.
Investigations have been taken over by the Provincial Police Task Team.
Kaunda said that government will continue to encourage taxi operators to resolve their disputes through constructive engagement instead of resorting to violence.
“Working with SANTACO, we have intervened and resolved a number of conflicts within the taxi industry to ensure that it continues to contribute to the economic growth of the province.
“We are pleased that in all areas where we have intervened – such as KwaDukuza, Maphumulo, Nongoma, Newcastle and Esigodini in Pietermaritzburg – there is stability and we are now able to detect violent incidents before they occur,” said Kaunda.
Through the inter-provincial Provincial Task Team – constituted by six neighbouring provinces such as Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Free State and Limpopo – Kaunda will interact with his counterparts to ensure that issues relating to taxi conflicts affecting these provinces continue to receive urgent attention.
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Khehla Sitole, also condemns, in the strongest terms, the senseless killing of 11 people associated with the Ivory-Park Taxi Association in Gauteng.
In response to these heinous crimes, General Khehla Sitole has activated a 72-hour action plan which consists of members from specialised units within the SAPS, including Crime Intelligence, Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS), detectives, Special Task Force, etc, to trace and apprehend those responsible for these killings.
“The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and his management team are overseeing the investigation into these murders. We will wait for the investigation to advance before speculating on a motive,” General Sitole stated.
Anyone who might have information that could assist police in arresting the perpetrators is encouraged to contact their nearest police station or phone the SAPS Crime Hot-Line on 0860010111
Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Toyota Quantum riddled with bullet holes after R74 shooting
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