MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu has strongly condemned the continued shootings, killings and violence linked to taxi feuds in Ntuzuma outside Durban.
This morning, 6 November 2013 at about 05h30 am two unknown assailants are believed to have brazenly opened fire at a taxi that was traveling along the Ntuzuma road, killing one occupant.
Vincent Gumede (44) was shot and died on the scene while Siyabonga Zuma (26) sustained injuries. Murder and attempted murder cases have been opened by the local area police.
It is believed that this shooting involves two security companies linked to taxi operators belonging to the Ntuzuma and Pieseng taxi associations, which are contesting routes.
MEC Mchunu has issued a strong warning to the perpetrators of the violence. These shootings are uncalled for, and are intended to deliberately victimise innocent commuters. As such we strongly urge those involved to stop the shootings and killings.
We especially appealing to the leadership of the taxi industry to prevail and ensure that we safeguard hard-won peace and stability in KwaZulu-Natal.This includes taking responsibility to direct their security companies towards operating within the legal parameters, with peace and stability reigning supreme. On our part, we will ensure that the long arm of the law deals firmly with the perpetrators", Mchunu said.
Mchunu has expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and offered words of sympathy to the injured and traumatised. He has further assured the community of Ntuzuma that a reinforced police team will closely monitor the situation in the area.
