POLOKWANE – Police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe says police were summoned and reacted swiftly following reports of taxi conflict which eruptedon Thursday, 17 May in the Masemola policing area, outside Lebowakgomo.
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“Upon intervention by police, the situation was brought back to normal. We will see what happens today, pending the engagement with the two Taxi Associations by the Office of the MEC for Transport and Community Safety,” he said.
During this turmoil, two people were assaulted and injured, cars were damaged and cases of malicious damage to property and assault GBH were opened.
The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Makoma Makhurupetje has condemned the violence and has called for calm and for the parties to resolve the issue.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the two Taxi Associations, Jane Furse and Masemola Taxi Association prevented each other from operating, which led to a shoot out directed at our traffic officers and members of the SAPS by taxi operators,” she explained.
Ngoepe says the motive behind this situation is believed to be related to conflict over taxi operating routes.
“Anyone with information about who the suspects are, may contact the Masemola Police Station Commander, Captain Maphoko Audrey Masemola at 082 040 3242; the crime stop number 0860010111; the crime line sms 32211 or the nearest police station,” he concluded.
Police investigations continue.
