Shooting between two Taxi Associations has brought the entire town ...
Image for illustration purposes.
A shooting that allegedly took place at the Border Alliance Taxi Association’s taxi rank in Port St Johns brought the entire town to a standstill this morning, January 16.
The Deputy Secretary and the Organizer for Business Forum in Port St Johns, Mbongeni Kotana confirmed that businesses were forced to shut down, and learners who were on their way to school were forced to go back home due the violence.
“It is alleged that taxi operators from Ncedo Taxi Association from Lusikisiki went to the rank of Border Alliance Taxi Association and fired shots.
“As I am speaking to you know it is quiet in the Central Business District, but Police Officers from different law enforcements are here now to monitor the situation,” said Kotana.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene is urging feuding taxi associations operating in the Lusikisiki/ Port St Johns areas to work together and find amicable solutions to their ongoing disagreements which are now culminating into tragic violence where lives are been lost.
Mene condemned such criminal behavior, stating that such lawlessness will not be tolerated as innocent lives are at risk.
“We immediately call on all stakeholders to come forward and engage in constructive discussions and urgently find a solution so as to avoid further loss of lives,” said Mene.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu said that preliminary reports indicate that this morning, January 16, 2023 (time unknown) two taxi associations were engaged in a shootout at the Port St Johns taxi rank.
She said that it is further alleged that three security officials from one taxi association from Lusikisiki were fatally injured while five other persons from the Port St Johns side sustained gunshots wounds.
“A boy (11) was hit by a stray bullet and was taken to hospital for treatment. Three vehicles were torched. Multi-disciplinary forces are on the ground. Nine suspects have been arrested. Police will remain in the area until the situation stabilizes.
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