The Margate CBD witnessed a harrowing scene of violence as rival taxi operators clashed, leading to a dangerous outbreak of gunfire and stone-throwing, on Thursday.
Margate CBD a no-go zone after taxi violence erupts
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In a statement, the Mi7 private security company issued a statement urging the public to avoid the area near the taxi rank.
“The situation escalated rapidly a short while ago, with rival operators clashing in a hail of gunfire and stones,” the security group said.
Amidst the chaos, one individual, suffering severe injuries, including wounds from a panga, sought refuge in a nearby store.
The Mi7’s Emergency Medical Services teams, along with other service providers, rushed to offer immediate assistance amid the ongoing conflict.
However, their efforts were hindered by the aggressors, forcing a temporary withdrawal for safety.
As the situation intensified, more police and local security companies arrived, helping to stabilise the situation.
“Our teams were then able to safely reach and transport the injured individual to receive further medical attention,” Mi7 National Group stated.
Despite the efforts to control the situation, the area remained volatile, with a significant police presence and an ongoing fluid situation.
Motorists are advised to avoid Margate CBD, specifically in and around the taxi rank, until further notice.
This incident in Margate is not an isolated case of taxi-related violence in South Africa.
Similar events unfolded last week in Port St Johns, where at least three people were killed following a shootout between rival taxi gangs.
The quiet coastal town transformed into a warzone, with businesses forced to shut down, and learners sent back home due to the violence.
Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu described the scene:
“Three security officials from one taxi association from Lusikisiki were fatally injured while five other persons from the Port St John’s side sustained gunshot wounds.”
In Port St Johns, an unresolved feud between the Lusikisiki and Port St Johns taxi associations turned violent, leading to the arrest of nine people following the incident.
It remains unclear, at this juncture, was caused the Margate taxi violence.
This is a developing story./