DURBAN - A 53-year-old taxi owner was shot dead in Pinetown on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele confirmed the incident.
“At about 9:30 in the morning, a black Mercedes was driving up Bamboo Lane in Pinetown when it was ambushed by assailants who were travelling in an unknown silver vehicle.”
Mbele said the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
“A gun battle ensued and the black Mercedes hit the wall on Windsor Road and the driver, an unidentified 53-year-old African male, was shot by the occupants of the silver vehicle. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and face.”
Mbele added that a case of murder was being investigated by Pinetown police.
“The silver vehicle fled the scene. A firearm was found in the deceased’s vehicle.”
South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) regional chairman Mathula Mkhize passed his condolences to the family of the deceased.
He said the man was a member of the Pinetown Taxi Association.
“At the moment I can confirm that this incident is not related to any dispute or argument within the taxi association. I also confirm at this stage this incident is not related to any issues between taxi associations. I am hoping to have more information at the start of the week.”
THE MERCURY