Taxi driver, 41, shot dead in his vehicle in Uitsig

Police are investigating a murder and attempted murder after the shooting of a taxi driver and passenger in Uitsig on Thursday morning.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the victims were found inside the vehicle in Mallet Road. The 41-year-old driver was declared dead by paramedics and the 26-year-old passenger was taken to hospital.

The regional spokesperson for the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Makhosandile Tumana, said according to information at their disposal, the incident was not related to the taxi violence but could be linked to gangs.

“It is a concern because when you hire a driver, you see someone who looks innocent only to find out that there is more. This gives a wrong impression about the (taxi) industry,” he said.

Tony Ehrenreich, a Cosatu official, said crime and gangsterism were a problem and appealed to the government to take the necessary steps.

“It is really worrying that people are killing each other like this. There is a lot of shooting going on here – the crime is high. The government needs to take action,” he said.

Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to phone Crime Stop at 08600 10111.