Cape Town taxi violence: Three held after taxi driver killed in Mfuleni

The three suspects are expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Police in the Western Cape have arrested three people for a murder and attempted murder related to the ongoing taxi violence in Cape Town. 

The suspects, aged between 25 and 30, were arrested in Mfuleni on Thursday. 

The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, said the arrested suspects were also found in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. 

“Members of the Mfuleni Crime Prevention Unit were conducting foot patrols in Ngubelani Street, Mfuleni, when they noticed three males running in their direction. When they saw the police members, they tried to evade the members but were apprehended,” Twigg said. 

He said the suspects were caught with firearms and over 100 rounds of ammunition. 

“The suspects were searched, and four 9mm pistols with a total of 147 rounds of ammunition were found in their possession,” Twigg said. 

Firearms and over 100 rounds of ammunition were seized from the suspects.

The arrest led police to a murder scene. 

“Further investigation led the members to a crime scene where the body of a 34-year-old minibus taxi driver was found in the driver's seat of the vehicle with gunshot wounds. A female who was wounded in the attack was admitted to hospital,” Twigg said. 

Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sizakhele Dyantyi, welcomed the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the firearms and ammunition. 

He said the arrests made were in direct response to the ongoing taxi-related violence and form part of efforts to restore law and order and protect commuters and other road users.

“No resources will be spared in ensuring that safety prevails and commuters are protected,” Dyantyi said. 

He also issued a stern warning to those engaged in violence that they would be dealt with harshly. 

“As the joint forces, we commit to undertake a number of operational activities while taxis are in transit. A humble plea is made to commuters and motorists to be patient as the planned operational activities might impact their travelling times,” Dyantyi said. 

He warned that attempts to blockade major routes or disrupt traffic would not be tolerated and called on all relevant stakeholders to urgently resolve the conflict before further measures become necessary.

The suspects, who face charges of murder, attempted murder, and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition are expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Monday.