Taxi owner killed in Cape Town was a cop, confirms SAPS

CAPE TOWN - Cape Town police have confirmed that the taxi owner killed in Lwandle near Strand was one of their own.

The affiliate of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) was shot dead by unknown gunmen on Thursday morning.

It's understood that the 42-year-old policeman was off-duty at the time of his attack.

However, by law, police officers are not allowed to be involved in the taxi, security, or alcohol industries.

Five people were killed in fresh taxi violence in Cape Town two weeks ago.

Nine others, including commuters, were injured in the attacks at taxi ranks in Philippi East, Khayelitsha, and Macassar.

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Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said the policeman’s killers are still at large.

"The motive is believed to be taxi-conflict related. The suspects are yet to be arrested. We appeal to anyone with information to contact Capt Lukhanyo Magadla of the Provincial Detectives Serious and Violent Crime on 082 411 3245 or alternatively Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS mobile application, anonymously.

"It is alleged that the deceased was driving down the street when unknown gunmen opened fire on him and fatally shot him in the upper body. The deceased lost control of his vehicle which came to a halt against a fence of a residence."

The attacks are believed to fuelled by conflict between CATA and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) taxi associations over a route to Somerset West.

Meanwhile, Cape Town police have launched a manhunt for gunmen linked to the murder of a minibus taxi owner.