Three people have been arrested in Mfuleni in connection with a murder and attempted murder linked to ongoing taxi violence in Cape Town.
The suspects, aged between 25 and 30, were arrested on Thursday by members of the Mfuleni Crime Prevention Unit. Police said they were also found with four unlicensed 9mm pistols and 147 rounds of ammunition.
Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said officers were on foot patrol in Ngubelani Street when they saw three men running towards them. The suspects allegedly tried to evade police but were apprehended.
“Members of the Mfuleni Crime Prevention Unit were conducting foot patrols in Ngubelani Street, Mfuleni, when they noticed three males running in their direction. When they saw the police members, they tried to evade the members but were apprehended,” Twigg said.
He said a search uncovered the firearms and ammunition.
“The suspects were searched, and four 9mm pistols with a total of 147 rounds of ammunition were found in their possession,” Twigg said.
Further investigation led officers to a crime scene, where they found a 34-year-old minibus taxi driver with gunshot wounds in the driver’s seat of his vehicle. A woman wounded in the attack was taken to hospital.
“Further investigation led the members to a crime scene where the body of a 34-year-old minibus taxi driver was found in the driver's seat of the vehicle with gunshot wounds. A female who was wounded in the attack was admitted to hospital,” Twigg said.
Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sizakhele Dyantyi welcomed the arrests and recovery of the firearms and ammunition. He said the operation was part of efforts to respond to taxi-related violence and improve safety for commuters and other road users.
“No resources will be spared in ensuring that safety prevails and commuters are protected,” Dyantyi said.
He said joint forces would carry out further operational activities while taxis were travelling, and appealed for patience from commuters and motorists if the operations affected journey times.
“As the joint forces, we commit to undertake a number of operational activities while taxis are in transit. A humble plea is made to commuters and motorists to be patient as the planned operational activities might impact their travelling times,” Dyantyi said.
The commissioner warned that attempts to block major routes or disrupt traffic would not be tolerated. He called on stakeholders to resolve the conflict urgently to prevent further violence and the need for additional measures.
The three suspects face charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Monday.