Johannesburg - Five people were killed in a shooting on Thursday in Boksburg's Windmill Park thought to be linked to the taxi industry, Ekhuruleni emergency services said.
"It is confirmed that four patients were declared dead on the scene. Another injured female patient was taken to hospital and unfortunately died on arrival," said spokesman William Ntladi.
The first four deceased had all sustained gunshot wounds, while the woman who was standing on a pavement was hit by a taxi that had been fleeing the scene at 5.30am.
Another two injured people were taken to Natalspruit Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds.
"The information at our disposal was that taxi violence took place. The police are here investigating," he said.
Gauteng police spokewoman Captain Augustina Selepe referred queries to her Boksburg colleague, who could not be reached for comment throughout the day.
Another provincial police spokesman Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng referred queries to Lt-Col Lungelo Dlamini and Brigadier Neville Malila. Neither of them could be reached either.
Transport Minister Dipuo Peters condemned the killing and sent her condolences to the affected families.
"I have requested the leadership of the taxi industry to assist police in getting to the bottom of this unfortunate incident," said Peters in a statement.
"Government and the taxi industry have worked tirelessly to achieve lasting peace in this industry. We cannot allow a minority of criminal elements to take us backwards to an era that's better left behind."
She said a preliminary report showed the first four people died during a shootout between suspected rivals.
Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele also expressed shock at the incident.
"This is a regrettable incident and I hope that those behind these brutal killings are brought to book as soon as possible," he said in a statement.
"This is a sad turn of events. In a democratic dispensation you expect people to engage freely on their differences and find an amicable solution without the loss of life."
Gungubele urged police and taxi associations to work together to find the perpetrators behind the shooting.
"We have increased police visibility in the area and efforts to normalise the situation and bring back peace and stability are already under way," he said.
"My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who were killed this morning. I also wish the injured a speedy recovery."
Sapa