Issued by: North West Communication Service
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE INCREASE OF TAXI VIOLENCE IN NORTH WEST PROVINCE
The Premier of the North West Province Mr Popo Molefe notes with concern the escalation of taxi violence in the province. This escalation coincides with similar trends in the Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces which suggests there is a coordinated effort within the taxi industry to eliminate competition.
This selfish motive has caused immeasurable suffering to many innocent victims (of which most are bread winners) who innocently patronise the only black controlled transport industry in the country. It is important for the taxi industry to note that continuance of this violence will only work against their economic interest as it may lead to a decline should commuters resort to alternative modes of transport.
The provincial wants to, however, warn the chiefs of this violence that this sudden increase will meet with equally measured determination by all organs of state to bring to book all those behind these indiscriminate heinous killings of our people.
The government calls on all people in the affected communities to assist in exposing those who carry out these killings. Like in the past communities must identify and isolate those elements that have no regard for innocent lives. The government assures the communities that those in the police service who are alleged to be involved in the perpetration of this violence will be investigated and justice carried out accordingly.
To those who have been victims of this senseless violence, the government of North West would like to convey its sincere condolences. The Premier would like to commend the members of the South African Police Services for their swift action in arresting some of these perpetrators of these killings.
26 November 1996