The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, applauds the good work done by the dedicated Provincial Taxi Violence Task team, which led to the swift arrest of five suspects linked to taxi violence in Tembisa. The violence led to the death of one woman and several people injured.
During an investigation of the incident, police seized four illegal firearms that were found in an abandoned vehicle that belongs to one of the taxi associations. The vehicle was also impounded for further investigations. Police followed up on information that led to the arrest of five suspects who were found in possession of unlicensed firearms. Questioning of these suspects may lead to the arrest of more other people who may be behind the spate of violence in the taxi industry.
“In the past few weeks we have seen sporadic taxi violence incidents where innocent lives were lost. I applaud all the law enforcement agencies involved in the swift arrest of the five suspects and stopping these heinous criminals on their tracks. This is an indication that we are everywhere and we will pounce when you least expect. Those that were involved will face the wrath of law.
I also commend the people or the person who tipped the police as most of these criminal activities happen in full view of our community members. Police alone cannot win the battle against crime but working closely with members of the community they can make great strides in rooting out criminal activities within our communities,” said MEC Nkosi-Malobane.
Meanwhile in Vosloorus, an officer was killed this morning during their routine patrol when him and his partner drove into criminals who were busy robbing a Cash Crusaders shop at an adjacent mall next to Chris Hani Mall. A gunfire ensued and the officer was fatally shot in the head. The criminals then fled the scene in a number of vehicles.
“The province has been robbed of a dedicated and selfless officer. An attack on law enforcement officers is an attack on the state. Our law enforcement cannot be held at ransom by few lawlessness criminals. We will work around the clock to ensure that we bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book and ensure that they face the full might of the law. I appeal to anyone with information on the shooting to bring it to our attention,” said the MEC.
Media contact person:
Thapelo Moiloa
Tel: 011 689 3743
Cell: 084 805 2247
E-mail: thapelo.moiloa@gauteng.gov.za
