The ongoing taxi violence in Cape Town has claimed the lives of six more people over the weekend.
Early on Saturday morning, two taxi drivers were shot and killed in Manenberg after an unidentified gunman sprayed more than 50 bullets at five minibuses at the taxi rank.
Police say two other men are in hospital for injuries suffered during the attack.
A taxi owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, says the shooters went to one of the taxis and asked for change before suddenly opening fire.
“I was told that the suspects were in a Toyota Avanza, they approached the drivers and asked them for change, and while they were busy with that, they started shooting.
“One of the drivers died on the scene, the other died in hospital, the others are in hospital.”
He explains this is the first such incident at the Century City route.
“This is shocking because they have been operating from there. I don’t know what the reason is for the shooting.”
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi says Manenberg Police is investigating cases of murder and attempted murder: “A 51-year-old man was declared deceased on the scene.
“Meanwhile three males were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. A 51-year-old man has since also passed away. The suspects are unknown and yet to be arrested.”
Provincial Transport Department spokesperson Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka says: “We are in contact with SAPS and will continue to be updated on the situation as they investigate whether the incident can be linked to the taxi violence that has been plaguing the area.
“We have also been in contact with the leadership of SANTACO to request their intervention to calm the situation and for their members to cooperate with the police investigations.”
Later on Saturday morning, a taxi driver was gunned down during a hijacking in Leiden, Delft.
Swartbooi says the man was killed in front of a house in Gamka Street.
“A case of murder and carjacking is being investigated by the Delft Police after three unknown males fired numerous gunshots at the victim which wounded him fatally,” he says.
“The suspects then fled the scene in the complainant's vehicle and are yet to be arrested.”
And in Makhaza two taxi owners and a mechanic were killed on Gaya Street.
SAPS’ Novela Potelwa says: “Detectives from SAPS provincial taxi task team are investigating a triple murder case. The motive for the shooting is believed to be taxi-conflict related.”
The latest violence follows the killings of five taxi drivers in Ceres and another in Bloekombos last Tuesday.
At least 50 people have been killed in taxi-related violence this year.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za