Shooting at Nyanga taxi rank leaves two dead, eight injured

The Nyanga community is reeling after a shooting at the Nyanga taxi terminus this morning, Wednesday, November 12, which left two women dead, and eight people injured.

According to police reports, the ten victims, all members of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA), were travelling in a Sprinter minibus taxi en route to a CATA meeting scheduled to take place near Cape Town International Airport when unknown gunmen opened fire on them.

Police confirmed that two women died at the scene, while seven other women and one man sustained gunshot wounds. They were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Deputy provincial commissioner Major-General Luyanda Damoyi, who visited the scene, said that three suspects emerged from a bakkie and began shooting at the minibus. He said it appeared a high-calibre rifle was used, with at least 43 cartridges found at the scene.

“The information we have is that the victims are members of the CATA executive who were on their way to a meeting. We are still investigating the circumstances and the roles they played within the structure,” said General Damoyi.

He added that police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder and are actively following up on leads. “We are very concerned about the ongoing violence in the province,” he said.

“Police are working hard to make arrests and recover illegal firearms. We are determined to stop this violence, but we need the community’s help with information.”

Major-General Damoyi said that police suspect the shooting may be linked to internal conflicts within CATA, and investigations are ongoing.

The Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) also condemned the attack.

CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe said the community was deeply disturbed by the shooting. “This affects our people directly. When these shootings happen, it’s the commuters and residents who suffer the most,” said Mr Qwebe. 

“One life lost is one too many. We are appealing to the leadership of CATA to come together and find peaceful solutions. The violence must stop.” He added that the CPF plans to meet with CATA leadership soon to discuss ways to end the ongoing tension.

When contacted, CATA spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi mentioned that he was busy and would respond at a later stage.