LEANDRA – A taxi driver was shot dead in cold blood on Sunday, 8 May, following the recent taxi violence.
Police said the murder could not be linked to the taxi violence, but are still investigating.
W/O Khuselwa Matrouse said Mr Victor Mbonani was driving from Springs when the incident happened.
“We were alerted by the public and when we arrived, he was already dead.
“He had sustained two bullet wounds.
“According to a motorist who was passing by, she saw an old woman getting out of the taxi and being picked up by another car.“Two men had fled into a field.”
Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, chairman for Vukanini Taxi Association, distanced his association from the killing of Mr Mbonani.
He said the taxi violence must come to an end, because it is leading to the deaths of mostly innocent people.
“It is unfortunate that our association might be blamed for this killing because of the recent conflict with Zamokuhle Taxi Association.
“The fact is that there are also infighting in that association.
“They should resolve it and do the right thing as recommended by the MEC.”
The newspaper contacted Mr Sol Vilakazi from the Zamokuhle Taxi Association for comment, but he was in a meeting and did not return calls.
The taxi violence between Zamokuhle Taxi Association from Leslie and Vukanini Taxi Association (Vukta) from eMbalenhle began in April.
A taxi belonging to the Leslie association was damaged beyond repair by a member of Vukta.
Hearing about it, members of Zamokuhle allegedly burnt three Vukta taxis.
The matter was temporarily resolved through the intervention of the MEC, Mr Vusi Shongwe, who made recommendations to the Govan Mbeki Mbeki Municipality.
However on 4 May, Zamokuhle Taxi Association supported by local farmers, closed roads to Leandra and demanded the municipality’s attention.
They had a meeting with the municipality later that day.
Council was represented by Mr Anthony Makhaye, chief whip of the ANC, Mr Sakhile Mahlangu, MMC for Planning and Development, and other officials who gave the association permission to operate in Secunda and Evander, without informing Vukta.
Zamokuhle Taxi Association began operating in Evander and Secunda on 5 May.
It is alleged that members of Vukta saw suspicious cars, including a BMW, escorting taxis belonging to the Zamokuhle Taxi Association, and chased them.
They caught up with the taxi and BMW in Solly Zwane Street nearby the police station and damaged both vehicles.
Police were alerted and managed to rescue the driver of the car and the passengers.
“The municipality overlooked the recommendations of the MEC. There is violence and who should be blamed? No one, but the municipality.
“They made their decision without consulting with the stakeholders,” said Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, chairman for Vukta, after a meeting with the police and Ms Lindi Masina, executive mayor, and other municipal officials.
A decision to withdraw the permission given to Zamokuhle Taxi Association was taken until a meeting with both parties takes place.
As the meeting was underway, the police confirmed that one of the Zamokuhle Taxi Association drivers was rescued after he was chased by two Crafters, 22 seater taxis, from where he had abandoned his taxi and seek refuge at a house on the road to Kriel.
His taxi was shot at three times and was taken to the Leandra Police Station.
The driver was given safe accommodation.
No one has been arrested yet.
