Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Ministry of Transport
20 December 2000
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Sbu Ndebele condemns the cold-blooded murder of two taxi operators as a desperate attempt to reverse the peace effort in the taxi industry in this province.
Since the inception of Judge Alexander Taxi Commission in KwaZulu-Natal there has been a marked reduction in incidents of naked terrorism within the taxi industry.
This morning, a white BMW opened fire on four taxi operators who were coming from the Bellair Police station to meet their bail conditions. Two died on the spot while the other two are reported to be in a serious condition in hospital.
All evidence point to this being linked to the violence involving long distance operators from Durban. The SAPS and the Ministry of Transport have vowed to leave no stone unturned to prevent this event sparking off a return the violence that has plagued particularly long distance operations.
I call on the taxi associations not to succumb to a temptation of taking the law into their hands in the name of revenge. The only beneficiaries of the taxi killings are those soulless men whose full-time occupation is killing for hire. More than 80% of black people depend on public transport. A well ordered taxi industry would ensure enough work for all. It is extremely foolish to turn yourself from a businessman into a murderer. It is black people and black economic advancement that is a major casualty.
All those with any information that will lead to the arrest of the murderers should come forward to the police or the Judge Alexander Commission.
The Killing Must Stop.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.
Contact Mlungisi Ndhlela, Ministry PRO at 082 5666 781