A THIRD case of murder in just over a week was opened by Isipingo police on October 5 when a taxi operator was gunned down along Malukazi Drive, adding to the string of gruesome drive-by shootings.

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Isipingo police communications officer, Constable Donald Naidoo, confirmed the cases are all linked, with a pattern of taxi-related violence emerging in the area. Three cases of murder and attempted murder are under investigation.

A letter circulating on social media warned of potentially more taxi violence, steering would-be passengers away from using Malukazi Taxi Association taxis.

“The shooting occurred at around 19:00 on October 5. Isipingo task team members were patrolling the Malukazi area and attended to reports of a shooting at the corner of Malukazi Drive and Ezipokini Close. On arrival, they noticed a white Toyota Hiace taxi idling and stopped on the side of the road. The taxi had multiple bullet holes on the driver side door and the driver was still alive, sat in the vehicle,” said Naidoo.

He added that the victim’s family was on scene and rushed him to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital. At around 21:35, the driver succumbed to his injuries.

“It is alleged that the motive of these murders are related to taxi association rivalries,” said Naidoo.

Two taxi-related murders occurred on September 28 and 29 involving high-ranking Malukazi Taxi Association officials.  

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