Taxi driver and passenger gunned down in brazen attack

Magatle

MEC for Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo, Violet Mathye, has strongly condemned the killing of a taxi driver and a passenger, during an alleged taxi feud that occurred at Magatle Village in Zebediela outside Lebowakgomo on Saturday 17 August 2024. 

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said according to reports, a white Toyota Hiace minibus taxi was traveling from Moletlane at the Dico Taxi Rank to Ga-Madisha Ditoro, carrying 15 passengers and the driver, when it was followed by a white Audi with unknown registration numbers.

“The occupants of the Audi opened fire on the taxi using a rifle and a 9mm pistol, causing the taxi to come to a standstill. The Audi then made a U-turn and fled the scene towards Groothoek,” he said.

Ledwaba added that the 42-year-old driver died instantly, while a female passenger was slightly injured by shattered glass. Two male passengers were seriously injured and rushed to the hospital, where one of them, aged 49, succumbed to his injuries.

“The motive for the attack is unknown, but taxi violence cannot be ruled out. Two cases of murder and two of attempted murder have been registered,” he said.

Ledwaba said anyone with information that can assist in identifying and apprehending the suspects is requested to contact Colonel Kgadiswana Mnisi on 082 565 8501, the Crime Stop Number on 08600 10111, the nearest police station or make use of MySAPSApp.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, has ordered an immediate manhunt for unknown assailants involved in a shooting.

“We condemn this senseless attack and appeal to the community to come forward with information leading to the apprehension of the suspects. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” concluded Hadebe.

MEC Mathye said they are worried about the rise of taxi violence in the province stating that the Magatle drive-by shooting is similar to another one which took place around March, earlier this year. 

During the March 2024 incident, government had assembled a Task Team that included taxi operators, to ensure that the sector was stabilized and peaceful. At that time, it was reported that agreements had been formulated and there were permanent solutions in place.  

Mathye said the latest incident has the potential to undermine the safety and security of civilians, she has directed the police to leave no stone unturned, to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are brought to book. 

“Even if these acts are sporadic, we cannot have a situation where our commuters are using public transport facilities, while fearing for their lives,” Mathye said.