Media Statement
Monday, 19 August 2024
Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms. Violet Mathye, has condemned the killing of a taxi driver and a passenger, in Zebediela outside Lebowakgomo, on Saturday, 17th August 2024.
A 49-year-old passenger and a 42-year-old taxi driver, lost their lives when the taxi they were travelling in, was hit by a hail of bullets, from an unknown vehicle that was following them.
This drive-by shooting is similar to another one which took place around March, earlier this year.
According to Police reports, taxi violence could not be ruled out, as the cause of these killings.
During the March 2024 incident, Government had assembled a Task Team – that included Taxi Operators, to ensure that the sector was stabilised and peaceful.
At that time, it was reported that agreements had been formulated, and there were permanent solutions in place.
This latest incident has the potential to undermine the safety and security of civilians, and the MEC Mathye has directed the Police ‘to leave no stone unturned, to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are brought to book’.
“Even if these acts are sporadic, we cannot have a situation where our commuters are using public transport facilities, while fearing for their lives”, concluded MEC Mathye.
End.
Issued by the Department of Transport and Community Safety.