KEY POINTS
- Four people were killed, and three others injured, including a university student, in a shooting at the Doornfontein taxi rank in Johannesburg, suspected to be linked to ongoing taxi violence.
- The incident follows another shooting at the Zonkizizwe taxi rank, where three people were killed, highlighting a growing crisis in public transport safety.
- Community members and officials are calling for urgent government intervention to address taxi-related violence and ensure the safety of commuters.
Four people were killed, and three others, including a university student, were injured in a brazen shooting at the Doornfontein taxi rank in downtown Johannesburg on Thursday morning.
The incident, suspected to be linked to ongoing taxi violence, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the safety of public transport hubs.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the shooting occurred when a group of armed men stormed the taxi rank and began firing indiscriminately. “Four people were declared dead on the scene, while three others, including a student waiting for a bus, were rushed to the hospital with injuries,” Nevhuhulwi said. The student, whose identity has not been disclosed, is reportedly in stable condition.
According to Sowetanlive, the shooting is believed to be connected to the escalating tensions within the taxi industry, which has seen a surge in violence in recent months.
“We suspect this incident is related to taxi violence, and the provincial taxi violence unit has been tasked with investigating the matter,” Nevhuhulwi added.
This tragedy comes just a day after another shooting at the Zonkizizwe taxi rank, where three people were killed and two others injured. “It is reported that unknown individuals driving a white BMW randomly shot at bystanders at the rank. The deceased were identified as taxi drivers, while two passengers were injured and taken to hospital,” Nevhuhulwi explained. No arrests have been made in connection with either incident, leaving the community on edge.
The rising threat to taxi services
The recent spate of violence has reignited calls for the government to address the safety of public transport users. Taxi ranks, which serve as vital hubs for commuters, have increasingly become hotspots for criminal activity and turf wars between rival taxi associations. “If the government is serious about its promises on the world stage, it must first ensure the safety of its citizens at home,” read a recent editorial in Sowetan, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
In response to the growing crisis, law enforcement agencies have vowed to intensify efforts to curb taxi-related violence. However, the lack of arrests in recent cases has left many questioning the effectiveness of these measures. “We are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure the safety of all commuters,” Nevhuhulwi assured the public.
The Doornfontein shooting has sparked outrage among residents and commuters, many of whom rely on taxis for daily transportation. “It’s terrifying to think that you could be caught in the crossfire just waiting for a bus or a taxi,” said one local resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “The government needs to step in before more lives are lost.”
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of crime in Johannesburg, which has seen a rise in violent incidents in recent weeks. Just days ago, a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer was murdered in Alexandra, leading to the arrest of five suspects. Similarly, a shooting at a popular Sandton restaurant left three dead and four injured, further highlighting the city’s struggle with gun violence.
