MZUKUSI Joji’s first day of work was supposed to be a happy event, but it turned into a terrifying baptism of fire.
On Wednesday, Mzukusi (30) survived a hail of bullets when he did his first trip as a taxi driver for Durban Liner Taxi Association.
He said he had been without work for many years.
His conductor, Mthandeni Sigwaza (25) from Mayville died in the attack which happened near the Wema Hostel in Durban.
Speaking to Daily Sun at the scene, Mzukusi said he and Mthandeni were at the rank at about 4pm when a taxi jammed them in and between five and seven people came out of the taxi.
“Suddenly, there was a gun at my head. I managed to push it away and started running. They started shooting. I don’t know how the bullets missed me.”
He said he hid under the Umlazi River bridge until cops arrived.
“I’m going back to the Eastern Cape. I will never work in the taxi industry again,” he said.
The shooting is believed to be over routes between the Durban Liner and Masakhokuhle taxi associations.
Durban Liner driver, Mashobane Khumalo (35), who was also at the rank said the taxi with the hitmen was from Masakhokuhle.
But Masakhokuhle chairman, Senzo Sikhosana, said they have a good working relationship with Durban Liner.
“The taxi was hijacked by unknown people,” he said.
Durban Liner chairman Simphiwe Chiliza also denied they were attacked by Masakhokuhle.
He said there are unknown men who want to cause problems between the two associations.
In another attack a few hours later, a Masakhokuhle driver, Busani Msizaswe (35) was shot near Mega City. He was taken to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital with serious injuries.
KZN cops spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said murder and attempted murder cases are being investigated by the police’s taxi violence unit.
