Police have arrested a man believed to be the lone gunman who killed three people in a wild shooting spree at the Nongoma taxi rank last week.

Three people, including two women street vendors, died and eight others, including a six-year-old girl, were wounded in the crossfire.

They are still in hospital.

Police spokesman Vusi Mbatha yesterday said the shooting was apparently linked to a renewed taxi feud in the area.

"We suspect that this conflict is related to taxi owners objecting to a new member joining the local Nongoma Taxi Association," Mbatha said.

Zululand mayor Zanele Magwaza-Msibi described the violence as "senseless" and urged tighter security controls. - Sne Masuku