CAPE TOWN - Commuter safety has been brought into the spotlight once again after brazen criminals entered the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association’s (Cata) regional office in Nyanga on Wednesday and killed an administrator at point-blank range.
Mlamleli Cetyena was declared dead when medics arrived at the scene, while two others were wounded and are recovering in hospital.
Cetyane was with two other taxi owners when two unknown suspects stormed in and shot at everyone who was in the office.
Police spokesperson Frederick Van Wyk said the suspects fled the scene.
“The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident at the Nyanga taxi rank where an adult male was shot and fatally wounded and two males aged 30 and 41 shot and wounded are under investigation.
“Nyanga police were called to the crime scene where they found the victims with gunshot wounds.
“The adult male was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.
“The victims were taken to a nearby medical facility for medical treatment,” said Van Wyk.
Cata spokesperson Mandla Hermanus said the association was cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
The incident happened after matric candidates finished their English Paper 1.
It also comes mere weeks after a ceasefire agreement between various associations were agreed upon.
“As Cata, we are shocked and dismayed by the incident.
“Cata remains committed to the peace agreement and this incident will not jeopardize it.
“This incident will not affect the provision of public transport by the taxi industry, especially during this time when leaders are commencing with their end of year examinations,” said Hermanus.
A hawker who witnessed the incident and asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals said the incident left many hawkers, drivers and passengers shocked and puzzled.
“The suspects did not roam around, they just went straight to the offices and shot everyone who was there.
“They calmly walked straight to the car parked by the road.
“At that time everyone was shocked and surprised by what just happened.
“The incident happened just after he bought cold water from me and he went to the office with two other taxi owners.
“I remember vividly his last words he said to me while he was buying water, he said ‘the way it’s so hot, I wish I could buy the whole package of the water you are selling’ and we laughed.
“He was a very deep down to earth person who never undermined other people. He would say ‘it is my responsibility to support and grow your business but it is your responsibility to take care of the family’,” she said.
Anyone with information can anonymously contact Crime Stop at 086 0010 111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.
Cape Times