Johannesburg - A man was shot and killed in Orlando, Soweto, apparently over a route dispute between two taxi associations on Friday, the Gauteng community safety department said.
“Mzayifani Mpongose, 41, of Mzimhlophe Hostel was killed after he disembarked from a... car on the corner (of) Armitage road and Oak Crescent opposite Orlando Stadium in Orlando West,” spokesman Obed Sibasa said in a statement.
“According to eye witness, it is alleged two occupants of a white Volvo sedan shot Mpongose four times on his way to a friend. He died at (the) scene.”
Over the past month, taxi drivers and owners belonging to both associations have been killed over the dispute.
“Gauteng traffic police strongly condemn the acts of criminalism and we will not hesitate to deal decisively with law breakers,” Sibasa.
“Orlando SAPS and other police units (are) busy with investigations and hope to make a break through soon. We look forward to putting perpetrators behind bars to curb violence involving taxi associations.”
Gauteng traffic police and SAPS were monitoring all taxi routes between Dobsonville, Meadowlands, Orlando, Diekloof and Baragwanath Taxi Ranks.
The situation was calm, however the department urged passengers to be vigilant and report perpetrators to the nearest police station or contact either police or Gauteng traffic police. - Sapa