By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Police Services (SAPS) have confirmed that at least two people were shot and killed in separate incidents in Cape Town on Monday.
In the first incident near Cape Town International Airport, a motorist fired shots at people who appeared to have been stoning vehicles.
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said more law enforcement officials have been deployed.
“An individual was shot dead and three others injured after a motorist was pelted with stones on Airport Approach. The driver responded to the attack by firing several shots. As a result, a death and three injuries were recorded,” said Potelwa.
Potelwa said murder and attempted murder cases are being investigated.
“The identity of the deceased person is yet to be determined. The incident has further compounded efforts to clear the road with traffic flowing and deployments still in place in the area.”
In a separate incident, a second person was found dead on Monday morning.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said while the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation, the motive for the attack is believed to be taxi-related.
Swartbooi said Nyanga police responded to a complaint on Monday morning.
“Upon their arrival in Borcherds Quarry, close to the N2 highway, they found the body of a 28-year-old male who sustained multiple gunshots.
“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested,” said Swartbooi.
The latest incidents come during a standoff between Santaco and the City of Cape Town over taxi impoundments.
Talks last night between Santaco provincial leaders and local government officials failed to find any solutions.
Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen said contingency plans were adopted to ensure that the torching of law enforcement vehicles in Delft would have no operational impact on the deployment of Law Enforcement Advancement (LEAP) officers in the area.
Meanwhile, four more Golden Arrow buses have been torched in Cape Town despite the company securing a court interdict to stop acts of violence.
Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer says “Four buses, unfortunately, have been torched around the time the taxi blockade was occurring on the N2 near Borcherds Quarry. Two of our buses were set alight there. Another two were set alight in different parts of Philippi this morning.”
This brings the total to 10 buses torched in the city since Thursday.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said in a statement that he was “gravely concerned at the devastating impact” of the taxi strike.
He said a special cabinet meeting will be held on Monday morning with key leadership from the City of Cape Town to “assess what further steps need to be taken”.
I am appalled at the scale of violence that has not only dealt a severe blow to our economy and critical services but has also delegitimised and damaged Santaco-WC’s cause. This violence and damage to property has continued this morning,” he said.