Eight security guards arrested following Itheku Taxi Rank shooting
The suspects appeared in the Madadeni Magistrate's Court this week, facing murder and attempted murder charges.
Eight security guards arrested following Itheku Taxi Rank shooting:
Following a shooting at the Itheku Taxi Rank last week during unrest between two taxi associations, eight suspects have since been arrested and charged.
Last week, it was reported that two people were killed and three others were injured after a group of men opened fire during a heated altercation between drivers from the Madadeni and Bambanani (Osizweni) Taxi Associations on Thursday, January 27.
Lizzy Arumugam of the Newcastle SAPS stated that Madadeni police were alerted to the shooting, and responded quickly to the scene.
Following the shooting, a group of men fled the scene in a getaway vehicle, prompting police to launch a manhunt to apprehend the reckless criminals.
Njabulo Shezi (34) and Charles Hadebe (39) were later identified as the two drivers who were shot and killed at the scene.
KZN Police Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, stated two more taxi drivers were critically injured and were taken to a hospital for treatment, while a third victim suffered only minor injuries.
Following an intensive investigation with the assistance of the Newcastle Public Order Police Unit, Gwala stated that the suspects were tracked down to Newcastle, where they were hiding in a rental house.
“Eight suspects ranging in age from 29 to 39 were apprehended,” she said.
During the arrest, it was discovered that the gunmen were security guards, according to Gwala.
She further stated that four AK-47 rifles, four pistols, and 90 rounds of live ammunition, as well as the suspected get-a-way vehicle, were seized at the suspect’s hide-out.
“The suspects were remanded in custody until February 7 after appearing in the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court this week on charges of murder and attempted murder,” she concluded.
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