One Dead, Two Wounded
NOMZAMO:- Authorities are currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred this Monday evening on Hlathi Drive in Nomzamo.
The incident reportedly involved a minibus taxi, in which one occupant was killed and two others wounded.
According to unconfirmed reports, the taxi was targeted amid the long-running route dispute between rival associations Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA). This conflict has previously led to deadly violence and has seen sections of key taxi routes temporarily closed by the provincial transport authorities.
Preliminary information from the scene suggests the shooting took place shortly after dusk. Emergency services arrived and found the minibus taxi with multiple bullet impacts. One person was declared dead at the scene and two others were transported to hospital in serious condition. The names of the victims have not yet been released.
Local police spokespersons have confirmed they are investigating the incident as part of the broader taxi-industry violence in the region. They urged anyone with information to come forward.
The dispute between CATA and CODETA centres on operating rights over commuter-taxi routes linking Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Lwandle, Nomzamo and Somerset West. The provincial mobility department earlier this year invoked emergency route closures under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act due to escalating violence.
Commuters in Nomzamo have expressed growing concern, saying they fear for their safety when travelling. One commuter told reporters: “We don’t know whether the taxi we board will be safe.”
As of now the route where the shooting occurred has not been officially closed, but law-enforcement and transport-department officials are believed to be assessing whether more drastic action will be required, such as shutting down the rank or imposing strengthened security.
Further updates are expected later tonight. CCN will bring you more details as they become available.
– Reporter: George C. April
