CATA taxi owner and driver killed in separate incidents

Police are investigating the deaths of two members of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) who were shot dead within hours of each other in separate incidents.

In the latest incident, a taxi driver was ambushed while transporting three passengers in his Toyota Quantum on Robert Sobukwe Drive near Valhalla Park around 5am on Wednesday.

Police said the driver sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head and died at the scene.

His body lay a few metres from the vehicle, while his three female passengers, aged 31, 38, and 45, were injured and rushed to hospital.

“Bishop Lavis police registered a murder and robbery with a firearm case following the shooting incident. The deceased has not yet been identified, and the circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” said Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk.

Van Wyk confirmed that the taxi was impounded for ballistics and further forensic processing.

“The motive for the shooting is the subject of our police investigation. No one has been arrested yet,” he said.

A neighbourhood watch member from the area said crime was rife along the stretch of road.

“There are many robbers along Robert Sobukwe Road near Valhalla Park. We even decided to stand on the road to make sure that the people are safe. We walk with the workers, especially women who are robbed every day.

“We come out at 7am, but I guess because they know our times, they must have taken a chance. Our group can’t be here that early because we are pensioners and mostly women and we don’t have weapons to fight off the robbers,” she explained.

On Tuesday night, a 27-year-old Cata taxi owner was gunned down outside his home in Mfuleni.

According to sources, the man had arrived home with his wife when he was confronted by unknown gunmen.

“He got out of the vehicle when an unknown man pointed a firearm at him and started shooting. Three more suspects appeared, and they also shot the taxi owner,” the source said.

Police confirmed the incident.

“At about 8.30 pm at a premises in Integrity Street, Mfuleni, a 27-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded. He sustained multiple gun wounds to his upper body and left leg. The circumstances are under investigation and the suspects are yet to be arrested,” said Van Wyk.

Authorities have appealed to anyone with information on the incidents to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.

Cape Times