…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
A tragic incident occurred in Cape Town’s Hanover Park as a taxi driver was shot in the head before his vehicle collided with a bus.
The incident, which took place on Govan Mbeki Road in Philippi, resulted in the death of the taxi driver and injuries to two passengers.
Taxi Driver Falls Victim to Gunfire:
According to a report by Daily Voice, the taxi driver, Tony Africa, also known as Tashreeq, had been operating along the Plain/Park route for many years.
On the morning of the incident, Africa stopped to pick up an individual who appeared to be a passenger but turned out to be the assailant.
Fatal Shooting and Collision:
The gunman entered the vehicle and instantly shot and killed the driver, Tony Africa.
The shooter then fled the scene on foot.
As a result of the driver losing control, the taxi collided with a bus, causing injuries to two passengers on board.
Police Investigate Murder Case:
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed that a murder case would be investigated.
The taxi driver had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head, and the injured passengers were promptly taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Santaco Expresses Sadness:
Makhosandile Tumana, spokesperson for the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco), expressed deep sadness over the incident.
Tumana extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured passengers and offered condolences to the driver’s family and friends.
Acknowledging the prevalence of crime, Tumana appealed to crime intelligence to locate and apprehend those responsible for the tragic incident.
Ongoing Taxi-Related Violence:
Cape Town has recently witnessed incidents of violence related to the taxi industry.
Just two weeks prior to this incident, a female member of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata) allegedly lost her life during a meeting, further highlighting the concerning levels of violence in the city.
Conclusion:
The shooting and subsequent collision that resulted in the death of a taxi driver in Cape Town have brought sadness and concern to the local community.
As investigations into the murder case proceed, organizations such as Santaco urge authorities to prioritize crime intelligence efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing violence plaguing the taxi industry in Cape Town.