In Shooting Outside Atlantis Secondary School
CCN Reporting
Atlantis:- A 42-year-old taxi driver and a 14-year-old Grade 8 girl were shot dead outside Atlantis Secondary School, on Wednesday afternoon in what police say is linked to ongoing tensions in the local taxi industry.
According to Atlantis police, an unidentified gunman approached a minibus taxi waiting to load pupils at the school gate in Palmer Avenue, Avondale, just before 3pm on 25 February and opened fire. The driver, identified as Eugene Titus (also known as “Spoed”), a local businessman and chairperson of the Cape Organization for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) in Atlantis, was killed at the scene. A 14-year-old Grade 8 learner was shot in the chest and died inside the school grounds. Two other girls, aged 14 and 16, were wounded and taken to hospital. One has since been discharged.
In a letter to parents and guardians dated 25 February, Atlantis Secondary School Principal Mrs M.J. Adonis wrote:
“It is with great sadness that we must inform you that a shooting incident occurred outside the school gate today when a taxi driver was shot. The matter is under police investigation and therefore the school is not allowed to make any official statements other than to say that it appears that the incident was not gang related and not aimed at any learner.
“However, one of our learners, a grade 8 girl unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.”
The school described the incident as a “very sensitive time” for the family, learners, educators and the wider Atlantis community. Principal Adonis appealed to residents:
“We would appreciate support from the Atlantis community … Kindly refrain from any speculation or sharing footage without consideration for the bereaved family and the grieving school community.”
Trauma counselling will be available at the school today (Thursday) by Metro North Education Department psychologists and social workers. Atlantis SAPS victim support will also be on site.
As a result of the tragedy, all Grade 10, 11 and 12 CAT tests scheduled for today have been postponed, along with the school’s Civvies Day and Valentine’s Party.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced a R100 000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. “We stand with the peace-loving residents of Atlantis who should not have to suffer because of the internal fights between taxi bosses,” the mayor said.
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku condemned the shooting as a “profound tragedy” and called on all parties in the taxi industry to resolve disputes peacefully and lawfully.
Police have opened two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. No arrests have been made.
Parents are asked to monitor the school’s WhatsApp community groups for further updates.
CCN extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Atlantis Secondary School community and all those affected. This is the latest in a string of taxi-related incidents in the area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Atlantis SAPS or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can be given anonymously.
