Transport Minister Ms. Dipuo Peters has condemned the killing of five people during a shooting incident linked to taxi violence in Windmill Park, Boksburg this morning.
According to preliminary reports, four people were shot and declared dead on the scene after a shootout between suspected rivals. The fifth person, a woman, was allegedly hit by a taxi fleeing the scene and died in hospital.
Minister Peters has called on police to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators of this violence to book. On behalf of government, the Minister sends her sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed.
"I have requested the leadership of the taxi industry to assist police in getting to the bottom of this unfortunate incident. Government and the taxi industry have worked tirelessly to achieve lasting peace in this industry. We cannot allow a minority of criminal elements to take us backwards to an era that's better left behind," says Minist Pete.
The Minister has lamented the incident as a regressive development that seeks to undermine all efforts to ensure that the taxi industry claims its rightful place in society as a reliable mode of transport.
According to the latest National Household Travel Survey, at least 67% of South Africans indicate that minibus taxis remain their preferred choice of transport.
The President of the SA National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Mr. Phillip Taaibosch has assured the Minister that the industry will work closely with law enforcement authorities to deal with the matter conclusively.
He has further reiterated the industry's commitment to continue to work with government to ensure lasting peace in this important industry.
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