KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Willies Mchunu is lost of words after receiving reports of the killing of Bhamshela Taxi Association Chairperson and strongly condemns the killing which happened yesterday, 14 April 2010 at about 17h30 at Green Gate Taxi Rank in Appelsbosch.
Preliminary reports reveal that Simon Mkhwanazi was shot by two unknown men driving a Mazda 3 who opened fire on him while he was with his son at the taxi rank. A case of murder has been opened at the Harburg South African Police Service (SAPS) and no arrests have been made. The reason for this killing is not yet known.
In a separate incident, at the Port Shepstone taxi rank, a taxi driver (Sifundo Mzindle) was killed. It alleged that unknown men broke the windows of his taxi using sticks and pangas. He was pulled out of his vehicle and beaten. When he tried to flee the scene, he was shot in the back and died as a result. Seven minibus taxis were impounded and twelve suspects were arrested for murder. Both the killings are believed to be related to taxi conflicts.
“I gave the taxi industry first priority when I took this portfolio, I have met most of the associations who are engulfed by setbacks and have constantly told them that guns are not problem solvers but they perpetuate the situation when people want to revenge. I have hope and dreams for this industry’s business growth but it seems like they have no interest in that,” said an emotional Mchunu.
Mchunu extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and said these kinds of brutal killing are very senseless and unnecessary and will not be tolerated. The department will have to act decisively and take harsh steps towards the perpetrators. SAPS are working around the clock for perpetrators to be brought book.
Enquiries:
Lungile Ndlovu
Cell: 082 889 6629
Issued by: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
15 April 2010
Source: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za/)
