Taxi associations associated with violence and blockades on the R61 between Port St Johns and Lusikisiki have each been fined R700,000, and must cough up R200,000 within five days. The remaining R500,000 is suspended.
Taxi violence is again rearing its ugly head in the Eastern Cape with at least three taxi bosses and drivers killed and one hospitalised in a critical condition on Wednesday on the R61 near Port St Johns.The year 2023 was one of the bloodiest, with more than 20 taxi bosses killed in a few months in Ngqamakhwe, Butterworth, Centane, Willowvale, Dutywa, Elliotdale, and Mthatha since July 18.
At least six people died in three taxi-related shootings within 24 hours in the Eastern Cape, leaving industry members fearing for their lives.This brings the number of deaths of taxi owners, bystanders and passengers to at least 20 since July 18.
King Sabata Dalindyebo municipal bosses and organised business have expressed concern at the escalating crime in Mthatha. This follows the fatal shooting recently of at least five people in two separate attacks by gunmen. The latest incident, which has rocked Mthatha citizens, took place on Sunday when three taxi operators, Jongikhaya Mapeyi and Luyolo Mvamve, both from Corhana, and Mziwakhe Mbuti Makhabane of Ntilini in Sibangweni, were shot and killed.