KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu, has condemned the killing of two men in a suspected taxi industry related in Ntuzuma township near Durban.
The two men, aged 29 and 30 were allegedly attacked while they were at Thuthuka General Dealer yesterday at about 17h30 by members of Boss, a security company in the employ of the Ndwedwe taxi association. One of the deceased was a taxi driver from the Piesang taxi association.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) have already apprehended a suspect in Lindelani D-Section and found a firearm. A double murder case has also been opened following the arrest, while investigations continue into the reasons behind the killings. Mchunu has applauded the swift action by the SAPS in apprehending the suspect, but expressed disappointment at the killings.
"I am extremely disturbed to learn that again members of security companies were allegedly involved in yesterday’s fatal shootings. Just last month, we sat down in Durban with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority as part of our efforts to ensure that security companies are part of the solution to achieve lasting peace and stability in the taxi industry. I remain firm in saying that it is very critical to rid the taxi industry of security companies in view of their role in stirring up conflict, which results in the loss of people’s lives. On behalf of government, I wish to send my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased," said Mchunu.
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