Fear continues to grip taxi operators, drivers and commuters at Nyanga taxi rank following the fatal shooting of Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) secretary Mongi Titi last Wednesday, April 16.
Provincial SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said detectives attached to the provincial taxi violence unit are probing the circumstances surrounding the shooting in Emms Drive, Nyanga, at about 5.55pm.
“The information indicates unknown gunmen approached a Toyota Fortuner parked in the vicinity of the terminus, after which they opened fire on the occupant, a 45-year-old man who sustained fatal wounds. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.
Slain taxi owner Mongi Titi.
Image: Siyavuya Khaya
"The unknown suspects fled and arrests are yet to be made. The motive for the attack is under investigation," he said.
South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) provincial chairperson, Mandla Hermanus, said Mr Titi was one of their provincial executive members from Cata.
He said Mr Titi played a pivotal role in ensuring that there was peace and stability and he was at the forefront of driving transformation and formalisation of the minibus taxi industry.
He described his death as a huge loss and called on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in finding the killers.
Mr Hermanus appealed to members of the association to remain calm and allow law enforcement to do their work.
MEC of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, expressed sadness and concern at the shooting, adding the Nyanga community had recently experienced numerous incidents of brazen violence.
He said retaliatory action would only escalate violence and further entrench conflict in the community, putting the lives of innocent residents at risk.
He said violence and intimidation should never be allowed to become a permanent feature in the taxi industry and the loss of Mr Titi has sent shockwaves through the transport sector and the Nyanga community.