Triple Murder Rocks Calcutta as Taxi Violence Escalates
Calcutta – Police in Calcutta, Mpumalanga, are grappling with a surge in taxi-related violence following a horrific New Year's Eve, which saw three taxi drivers murdered in two separate shooting incidents. The SAPS has launched an investigation into the triple murder and is appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the first incident occurred at approximately 22:00 along the Oakley Trust main road. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless bodies of two adult men, both taxi drivers, lying on their backs, riddled with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel declared both men dead at the scene.
Investigators recovered nine empty rifle cartridges from the scene of the first shooting. "Two Quantum taxis, believed to be from the Mariti Taxi Association, were found at the scene. The deceased were reportedly shot outside their vehicles. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown," Ndubane stated. The bodies were transported to a government mortuary for post-mortem examinations, and a murder docket has been opened as the investigation progresses.
Just an hour later, at around 23:00, police were called to a second shooting incident at Alexandria Trust. There, they found a crowd gathered around the body of another man, lying face down in a pool of blood. The victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.
The scene at Alexandria Trust yielded a grim discovery: 26 empty rifle cartridges and 11 pistol cartridges. "No witnesses came forward with information regarding the circumstances leading to the murder," Ndubane said, highlighting the challenges facing investigators. "The deceased is believed to be a taxi driver affiliated with the Mathibela Taxi Association."
The SAPS is urging anyone with information that could assist in the arrest of those responsible for these heinous crimes to come forward. Members of the public are encouraged to contact Captain Alfred Monareng on 072 699 8769, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or to submit information via the MySAPS app. Police have assured the public that all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and callers can remain anonymous.
These latest killings follow a disturbing pattern of violence in the area. Last month, a 37-year-old taxi driver, who was also a member of the Marite Patrol Unit – a community crime watch structure – was murdered. In October, three other men – another taxi driver, a bishop, and the patrol unit’s chairperson, Lawrence Thomas Masuku – were also shot dead in separate incidents. The escalating violence has left the community on edge and fearful for their safety.
The acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed his deep concern over the ongoing violence and has called on community members to cooperate with the police in their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. He emphasised the importance of community involvement in combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. The police are determined to bring those responsible for these senseless acts of violence to justice and restore peace to the area.
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