The death toll in the shooting incident that claimed 11 people’s lives on Saturday night (July 21) on the R74 has risen to 12.
The person who was in a critical condition sadly passed away this morning (July 24) in hospital, said the hospital PRO.
Three survivors are in a stable condition under heavy police guard. Due to safety reasons, the name of the hospital has been withheld.
11 people were declared dead at the scene. One critically injured occupant and three with moderate injuries were rushed to hospital by paramedics.
Also read: Route allocations play a big role in taxi killings – Santaco
Two other men managed to escape the hail of bullets and were treated for shock by paramedics on scene.
A Toyota Quantum that was travelling along the Colenso and Weenen road was ambushed by unknown gunmen.
The 17 occupants (taxi drivers), associated with the Ivory Park and Kempton Park taxi associations in Gauteng, were returning from the funeral of a Gauteng taxi operator near Greytown when they were attacked.
Initial story: Breaking news: 11 dead in mass shooting along the R74, KZN
Update: Video and photos of R74 shooting that took place between Colenso and Weenen
Update: Watch: MEC Kaunda visits the scene after R74 shooting that left 11 people dead
Update: MEC Kaunda and General Sitole condemn R74 shooting (videos and pics included)
Update: Victims of R74 ambush shooting identified
The unknown gunmen used high-powered rifles, firing over 200 shots into the Toyota Quantum.
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Khehla Sitole, activated a 72-hour action plan on Sunday (July 22), consisting of officers 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.
MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Mr Mxolisi Kaunda 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.
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