A TAXI ride ended in tragedy on Wednesday night when three people died.
The taxi travelling from Durban was shot at – presumably by hitmen, or izinkabi – just a few kilometres from its destination in Swayimane.
Police said an 18-month-old baby, a 15-year-old schoolgirl and the driver died during the attack.
The rest of the passengers were wounded.
It’s believed the taxi was passing Cato Ridge, west of Durban, when a group of armed izinkabi opened fire on it.
It’s believed there’s conflict over taxi routes in the village.
Swayimane Taxi Association chairman Bafanyana Mbhele said: “We heard about the shooting yesterday morning and we’re going to meet and investigate who the owner of the taxi is.”
When the SunTeam asked about a war in the area over routes, he wasn’t aware of it.
“I won’t speculate as we don’t have the full details.
“We still don’t know who their next of kin are.
“Maybe we’ll know more once we meet other people for more information,” said Mbhele.
Colonel Thembeka Mbele said three counts of murder and four of attempted murder were being investigated by Inchanga police.
“It’s alleged a 37-year-old taximan was driving along Eddie Hagen Drive in Cato Ridge when a silver vehicle’s occupants opened fire, fatally wounding the driver and two passengers and injuring four others.
“The injured passengers, aged between four months and 40, were rushed to hospital. The motive for the shooting is still unknown.”