TAXI bosses are calling for the public to help them end the killings that have plagued the industry.
This month alone, the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) has lost over 10 drivers following recent shootings. What is of concern to Cata is that they don't know the causes of these shootings.
Cata spokesman, Nkululeko Sityebi, said they didn’t know what led to the shootings as there were no disputes within the organisation.
“We're concerned about what's happening. Our drivers are killed left, right and centre. More especially on the Nyanga-Sea Point to Cape Town route, which is where the killings take place. Where is it coming from? We don’t know, we don't have answers,” said Sityebi.
Cata is now turning to members of the public to help with information about the killings.
“If anyone can tell us what's going on, we'll be grateful as Cata. We urge anyone with information to notify the police about the perpetrators of this violence meted out on our drivers. This also affects our commuters. We're worried about this situation,” said Sityebi.
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On Saturday, 10 February, a driver was shot and killed in the Siyahlala area in Philippi while sitting inside a parked taxi. On the same day, the widow of a taxi boss was also gunned down on the corner of Ntlangano Crescent and Klipfontein Roads in Nyanga.
In January, two taxi owners were shot and killed just after a meeting at a church not far from the taxi rank. On 30 January, three taxi drivers were also shot dead in Nyanga.
A source from the taxi industry who spoke to Daily Sun said the killings may have something to do with extortion from within the industry. “I have heard that there is an extortion ring that is demanding R150 from taxi drivers every day to drive on the route. Those who do not pay are being targeted and killed,” claimed the source.
Asked about Saturday's incident, Western Cape cop spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said they are investigating the matter.
On the widow, Swartbooi said: “The motive for this attack is under investigation. The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
On the driver who was killed in Siyahlala kasi, Captain Frederick Van Wyk said: “According to reports, the police were called out to a shooting incident where they found the body of a 20-year-old man lying on the driver's side with multiple gunshot wounds to the body. The motive seems to possibly be taxi related. Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation."
