KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr. Willies Mchunu has noted with concern yet another shooting at the Ballito taxi rank. Yesterday (19 April 2013) police reports revealed that a shootout incident took place at the taxi rank and left one commuter dead.
This incident is believed to be linked with the ongoing taxi dispute between the two rival associations in the area. This is the second incident in a space of a few weeks following another one where unknown assailants opened fire and left people wounded.
Unknown assailants opened fire yesterday threating taxi operations in the area and threatening business investments. Mchunu condemns this senseless killing and taxi violence uproar in the area. Mchunu is however confident that police are deployed to monitor the situation to ensure safety of the commuters.
“I am shocked to learn of this barbaric incident. No amount of violence and intimidation can bring stability and resolve problems in the industry. The KwaDukuza/Ballito seems to be experiencing a new wave of killings. We have started processes as a department to intervene and resolve their dispute. I am confident that police will arrest those who are perpetrators of this crime. I appeal for calm and stability. This new wave of attacks is threatening the business investments in the area with such a huge potential,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu reiterated his commitment to work with the leadership of the taxi industry in looking for solutions in all the challenges confronting the taxi industry.
Media contact:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 079 699 5755
