By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A shooting took place at the town of Port St.Johns in the Eastern Cape after heavily armed men invaded the town and opened fire towards the taxi operators.
Fullview understands, taxi operators from Ncedo Taxi Association from Lusikisiki went to the rank of Border Alliance Taxi Association and fired shots.
At least three people have been killed while five others sustained gunshot wounds.
Businesses were forced to shut down and learners who were on their way to school were forced to go back home due the violence.
Provincial police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu says a large police contingency has been deployed to the area to monitor the situation. She says nine suspects have been arrested.
Multi-disciplinary forces are on the ground. Police will remain in the area until the situation stabilises.
Lt Gen Mene (provincial commissioner) has vehemently condemned such criminal behaviour. She says such lawlessness will not be tolerated as innocent lives are at risk. We immediately call on all stakeholders to come forward and engage in constructive discussions and urgently find a solution so as to avoid further loss of lives.”
It is not a new thing that these associations has had differences on using public roads and sharing territories, however in the recent years the level of violence has died down until the 13th of January 2022 when two drivers and one taxi assistant were shot dead.
The taxi industry, a lifeline for many South Africans who rely on it for their daily commute, has been marred by a history of violence.
In this case, the deadly altercation is thought to have stemmed from a bitter feud between two taxi associations, turning the streets of Port St. Johns into a battleground.
Mayor of Port St Johns Nomvuzo Mlombile Cingo has called for calm and peace.
“We would like to request the taxi industry to please sort the challenges and be able to bring peace in Port St. Johns. The law enforcement is already in Port St. Johns and doing their work, we would like them to make sure that peace is restored in our town.”