Mhlaba Memela

Mhlaba Memela

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for transport, community safety and liaison Bheki Cele has issued a stern warning to the perpetrators of taxi violence.

This comes after a man waiting to board a taxi was hit by a stray bullet at a rank on the corner of Wiggins and Ballair roads in Cato Manor, Durban.

The commuter is reportedly fighting for his life at a local hospital.

It is alleged that heavily armed men opened fire on a driver belonging to the Cato Manor Taxi Association.

Cele said they would not tolerate any violence.

"We will continue with our efforts to find a permanent solution to the conflict and ensure that there is peace in the taxi industry," he said.

The shooting was the second at the rank on the day. Nobody was injured in the earlier attack.

The area has been engulfed in violence since a taxi owner was gunned down last week. Taxi boss Steven Moletsane, his wife and daughter were killed.

There was another shooting at the eMithini- Emthathu taxi rank, not far from Cato Manor, last week. A hawker was injured.

KwaZulu-Natal Taxi Alliance spokesman Willie Mbhense said the various associations in the province were out of control.

Police have been deployed to the area, said Captain Vincent Mdunge.