KEY POINTS
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Gauteng police recovered 19 firearms, including AK-47s and pistols, after a shootout between security guards at Meyerton taxi rank, leaving one person injured.
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Authorities debunked rumors of a student casualty and highlighted ongoing probes into weapon origins and motives amid broader concerns over taxi industry violence.
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The incident underscores systemic issues with illegal arms in South Africa’s transport sector, prompting calls for tighter regulation of private security operations.
Gauteng police seized a cache of 19 firearms, including 10 AK-47 rifles and nine 9mm pistols, during a chaotic shootout at Meyerton taxi rank early Tuesday morning.
Sowetanlive reports that the incident unfolded after officers responded to reports of a violent clash between employees of two private security companies at the Meyerton taxi rank.
One individual sustained non-fatal injuries in the exchange at Meyerton , though authorities confirmed no bystanders were harmed.
Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, police spokesperson, stated: “The scene was volatile, but our teams acted swiftly to secure the area. The recovered firearms suggest a highly organized operation. Investigations are underway to determine ownership and the exact motive behind the confrontation.” Initial rumors of a scholar being caught in the crossfire were debunked after police visited nearby schools and confirmed no students were injured.
Police dispel rumours of student casualty at Meyerton
The Meyerton incident has reignited concerns over the proliferation of illegal weapons in South Africa’s taxi industry, which has long been plagued by turf wars and violent disputes. Security analysts speculate the clash may be linked to rival companies competing for lucrative contracts to protect taxi routes.
A 2024 report by the Global Initiative on Transnational Organized Crime identified Gauteng as a hotspot for illegal arms trafficking, with over 1,200 firearms linked to taxi violence seized province-wide in the past year alone.
Community members expressed frustration over recurring violence. “This rank is supposed to be a hub for commuters, not a warzone,” said local shopkeeper Thandi Mokoena, whose store was temporarily closed during the police operation.
Meanwhile, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) distanced itself from the incident, calling for stricter regulation of private security firms operating in transit zones.
Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activity via the SAPS Crime Stop Line (08600 10111) or the MySapsApp. The injured individual is recovering under police guard, with charges of attempted murder and illegal firearms possession pending.
