CAPE TOWN – Chaos unfolded at the Mfuleni taxi ron Frimass shooting left several people injured and the community reeling in fear. Police have confirmed that a group of armed gunmen stormed the taxi rank’s administrative office and opened fire on those inside, prompting a swift response from emergency services and law enforcement.
The shooting, which took place during peak morning hours, has raised urgent concerns over violence linked to ongoing tensions in the taxi industry. Investigators are currently piecing together the sequence of events that led to this violent outbreak.
Gunmen Open Fire, Injuring Several People in Taxi Rank Office
Preliminary reports suggest that several people were inside the taxi rank office when the gunmen entered and began shooting indiscriminately. Eyewitnesses say the attackers appeared to be targeting specific individuals believed to be taxi owners or rank managers. However, one innocent taxi commuter was also caught in the crossfire and sustained injuries.
Police spokespersons have not yet confirmed the total number of victims but have indicated that at least three people were rushed to nearby hospitals after being treated by paramedics on-site. Some were reportedly wheeled out on stretchers, visibly wounded, and placed into ambulances parked just outside the cordoned-off zone.
The Mfuleni taxi rank has since been shut down, with yellow police tape marking the perimeter of the crime scene. The area is swarming with law enforcement officers, medical responders, and forensic experts as authorities secure evidence and ensure public safety.
Crime scene investigators have focused their attention on a small office within the taxi yard, which appears to have been the epicenter of the gunfire. Bullet casings and blood stains have been found inside and just outside the office, suggesting a targeted and brutal attack.
Community members gathered around the scene in shock, with some visibly distressed. For many, the incident represents a grim reminder of escalating violence in the local taxi industry, which has a long and complex history of turf wars and competition-related attacks.
While police have yet to release an official statement regarding a motive, early indications point toward ongoing tensions within the taxi industry. Disputes between rival taxi associations or over rank control have, in the past, led to fatal shootings and reprisals.
A source familiar with local taxi operations claimed the shooting may have been linked to power struggles over routes and financial disputes. “These kinds of hits aren’t random,” the source said. “They’re often planned, and they send a message.”
Taxi violence remains a pressing issue in many parts of South Africa, and several people have lost their lives in recent years due to unresolved disputes and a lack of regulatory enforcement.
Friday’s shooting has left the Mfuleni community deeply shaken. Taxi ranks are essential hubs for daily commuters, and attacks like this erode the sense of safety and stability. Commuters who witnessed the aftermath described scenes of chaos and fear as shots rang out unexpectedly.
Local leaders and civil society groups are now calling for increased security and better oversight at taxi ranks.Several people are demanding the installation of surveillance cameras, regular police patrols, and stricter licensing enforcement for taxi operators.
At this point, no arrests have been confirmed. Police have stated that they are following leads and will be interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available CCTV footage to identify the suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A full investigation is underway, and officials have promised to provide updates as more details emerge. While several people are recovering from injuries, the long-term psychological impact on witnesses and community members remains a concern.
The mass shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank is the latest in a troubling pattern of violence tied to the taxi industry in South Africa. As several people continue to recover from physical and emotional trauma, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger intervention, conflict resolution, and public safety measures.
For now, the Mfuleni taxi rank remains a crime scene, and a community waits for answers—and justice.
Source- EWN
