9 people arrested in wake of deadly taxi violence in Port St Johns
The quiet coastal town turned into a warzone shortly after midday when two taxi associations engaged in a shootout at the Port St Johns taxi rank.
At least three people were killed on 16 January 2024 after a shootout between rival taxi gangs ensued. Pictures: Screenshots/Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - Eastern Cape police have confirmed the death of three people and injury of six others, including an eleven-year-old boy, in a taxi-related shooting in Port Saint Johns on Tuesday.
The quiet coastal town turned into a warzone shortly after midday when two taxi associations engaged in a shootout at the Port St Johns taxi rank.
Police arrested nine people following the incident.
An unresolved feud between the Lusikisiki and Port St Johns taxi association’s turned violent on Tuesday following a brazen shootout between its members.
Police spokesperson, Priscilla Naidu, detailed the fatalities and injuries following the incident.
"Three security officials from one taxi association from Lusikisiki were fatally injured while five other persons from the Port St John's side sustained gunshot wounds. In the ensuing attack, an 11-year-old boy was hit by a stray bullet and was taken to hospital for treatment. Three vehicles were torched."
Last week a taxi owner, driver and conductor from the Port St Johns Taxi Association were gunned down in the town.
Police said that multi-disciplinary forces would remain in the area until the situation stabilised.