A taxi boss has been shot eight times in what is believed to have been a hit at a local rank.
Family members say Jamian “Jamie” Walters’ life had been threatened before and it was all because of jealousy.
Jamian, 35, of Bayview in Strandfontein, who was a taxi owner and driver on the Wynberg route, was shot and killed after 6.15am on Friday morning while standing at the Town Centre rank in Mitchells Plain.
The incident took place as shocked commuters queued for taxis.
Relatives say the father of four was not a gangster and was not involved with drugs.
It is unclear whether the gunman was on foot or in a vehicle.
Taxi owner’s body driven away from M.Plain Town Centre on Friday
At the scene, relatives were overcome with shock and grief as Jamian lay dead on the ground, dressed in a red jacket and tracksuit pants, his body riddled with bullets.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel André Traut, says no arrests have been made.
“On Friday, around 6.15am, a 35-year-old male was shot and killed at the Mitchells Plain Taxi Rank, by an unknown suspect who is yet to be arrested.
“The circumstances are being investigated and the motive is yet to be established.”
A relative of Jamian, who asked not to be identified, says he knew death was coming and that he was often targeted because he had status and was well known.
“One day someone tried to stab him inside his taxi, (but he did not retaliate because) he was not someone who would want blood on his hands,” says the relative.
“He was shot eight times on Friday. He always feared for his life and we knew that his death was coming, this was because of jealousy.
“We told the police at the scene that this is not related to the taxi war (over routes).”
Shocked commuters look on after Jamian Walters, 35, was shot at Town Centre
Speaking about allegations that Jamian was involved in drugs and gangs, the relative says he was not affiliated to any gang but had a “bad side”.
She would not elaborate on what the “bad side” entailed.
“There is 99 percent love from people for Jamian and there is the one percent who had no love for him,” says the relative.
“His life was taken away like he was a gangster, but he was not involved in the gangs.
“He had a bad side also, but never harmed anyone.”
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