One killed in taxi violence

A taxi driver has died and four others are recovering from gunshot wounds in what is likely taxi-related violence.

Johannesburg - A taxi driver has died after being shot execution-style and four others are recovering from gunshot wounds in what is likely taxi-related violence.

The driver was shot dead south of Joburg on Monday while four other men were shot at the Palm Springs Mall in the Vaal on Tuesday.

According to the police, a car pulled up next to a taxi on Old Vereeniging Road around 8pm on Tuesday, and the occupants opened fire.

“Onlookers identified the car as a silver BMW. Several shots were fired and people were injured, including the taxi driver, who was shot a number of times,” said Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini.

ER24’s Werner Vermaak said the driver was critical.

A six-month-old child was among the injured. The driver in Monday’s shooting was seriously hurt and died in hospital.

A witness, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, said she was sitting in the front seat when a car pulled up next to the driver.

“I was looking in my bag and suddenly there were loud bangs. I was terrified. I didn’t know what was happening,” the woman said. “I screamed and an old lady sitting near me shouted that we must get out the taxi and run.” There were at least six gunshots.

Ilanit.chernick@inl.co.za

@Lanc_02

The Star

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