EC Transport Dept condemns shootings believed to be linked to taxi violence

EAST LONDON - The Eastern Cape Department of Transport condemned the recent spate of shootings believed to be linked to taxi violence in the province.

At least two taxi operators were killed in separate shootings over a 24-hour period. The shootings left 18 others injured.

While the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) is calling on police in the Eastern Cape to establish a task team dealing with taxi violence, the provincial transport department has described these attacks as a threat to commuters.

These deadly shootings come just two months after taxi bosses in the province signed a peace accord to end the violence.

The department said this was not only undermining the peace accord but was also irresponsible.

Between 2021 and 2022, 29 people were killed in similar shootings in Eastern Cape.

Meanwhile, police are investigating two counts of murder and at least 18 counts of attempted murder from Thursday’s shootings.