A shootout in Midrand on Tuesday evening has left two taxi owners and two bystanders injured, raising concerns about a potential taxi war in Johannesburg.
Story Summary:
- Police arrested one suspect following the Midrand shootout.
- Two taxi owners and two bystanders were injured in the incident.
- The police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects.
More details surface about Midrand shootout
The shootout occurred on Tuesday, 20 August 2024, near the intersection of Olifantsfontein and Lever Road in Midrand.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the attack targeted two taxi owners who were returning from a meeting under the escort of security officers.
The assailants, reportedly driving a Toyota Hilux bakkie, ambushed the convoy, resulting in a violent exchange of gunfire.
Masondo detailed that the suspects opened fire on the taxi owners’ vehicles, prompting a shootout with the security officers.
Amid the chaos, one of the suspects was left behind as the others fled the scene.
Police later apprehended the abandoned suspect, who was found with an AK-47 magazine near the scene.
The injured taxi owners and bystanders—a street vendor and a female motorist—were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Gauteng police have confirmed that the manhunt for the remaining suspects is ongoing.
They have opened a case of attempted murder and are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in capturing the remaining perpetrators.
Johannesburg taxi war looms as police grapple with planned hits
This recent incident in Midrand echoes a similar situation earlier this month in Soweto, where taxi owner Kwanele “MKZ” Makwanza was gunned down by unknown assailants.
Makwanza, a member of the MDN Taxi Association, was killed in what authorities suspect was another targeted hit linked to taxi violence.
His assassination has heightened fears of an escalating taxi war in Johannesburg.
With multiple targeted hits on taxi owners in a short span of time, there is growing concern that Johannesburg may be on the brink of a full-scale taxi war.
The police are currently investigating these incidents, which appear to be part of a broader pattern of violence within the taxi industry.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities are working to prevent further escalation.