On Friday, a devastating drive-by shooting occurred in Nyanga, Cape Town, resulting in the death of Zanikhaya Kwinana, a 32-year-old Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer.
Was Zanikhaya Kwinana a casualty of Cape Town taxi strike?
As reported by News24, the incident happened while Kwinana and his colleagues were carrying out patrols in the area, which is currently gripped by an ongoing Cape Town taxi strike.
Motive Uncertain, but Taxi Strike Connection Investigated
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigations are still underway. However, Western Cape police have not ruled out the possibility that the attack may be linked to the ongoing taxi strike in the area.
Kwinana was with two fellow officers in a car, travelling along Miller Road en route to Bishop Lavis when the assailant opened fire.
Tragically, Kwinana was shot in the head. His colleagues rushed him to the Heideveld Day Hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
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Crime Prevention Patrols during Taxi Strike
The LEAP officers were part of a team conducting crime prevention patrols to address taxi-related incidents that have been unfolding in the Western Cape due to the taxi strike.
The taxi operators’ strike was launched in protest against the City of Cape Town’s traffic by-laws, which enable vehicle impoundment for violations instead of issuing fines.
Reagen Allen, Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, called for strong condemnation and assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice if the incident is directly linked to the taxi strike.
“Should this incident be directly linked to the minibus taxi strike, I urge the leadership to strongly condemn this incident and assist us in bringing the perpetrators to book,” Allen said.
The SA National Taxi Council (SANTACO) denounced the violence, public disturbances, and intimidation associated with the strike.
The council emphasised that it does not support or condone any form of violence, disturbance, or intimidation.
SANTACO urged its members to maintain discipline and adhere to a peaceful stay-away. The council has also called on the police and law enforcement agencies to bring criminal elements to justice.
This tragic incident marks the second time in less than a week that a LEAP officer has been killed.
Just days prior, off-duty LEAP officer Toufeeq Williams lost his life in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, when he was struck by a stray bullet while walking with his two-year-old daughter.
As investigations into both murders continue, authorities are grappling with safety concerns for law enforcement personnel and the general public amidst the taxi strike and its associated violence.