Taxi passenger killed in shooting in Nyanga
A 50-year-old woman on her way to work was shot dead on Tuesday morning, July 2, when the taxi she was travelling in came under fire at 7am in Nyanga.
According to reports, the Toyota Avanza had picked her up for work in Gugulethu, and was fetching another staff member in Nyanga in Zwelitsha Drive when the shooting happened.
The driver of the taxi drove to Nyanga police station after the shooting, where the woman’s body was removed from the vehicle.
Nyanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) secretary Dumisani Qwebe said shooting incidents in Nyanga are escalating.
He said the community was stunned by these incidents and called on everyone to work with the police and report criminals. “People are always pointing fingers at the police and yet they're doing nothing. We need to stop saying our police are not working while we know who the criminals are,” said Mr Qwebe
He said their prayers are with the family of the innocent woman who was probably a breadwinner.
“No family deserves such a painful experience. Imagine the pain they are going through now. You last see your family member going to work, the next thing is a report to say she is no more. Many will live with that pain forever.”
One resident and taxi commuter, speaking anonymously, said the people of Nyanga should stand up against crime. He said he was also scared to be in a taxi after this incident. “Who knows why the shooter shot this taxi. Maybe it is taxi-related because amaphela are also having their own beef. These guys are so unpredictable. I am now scared to be in a taxi,” he said.
Police could not confirm that the shooting was taxi-related.
However, Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that the Nyanga police are investigating a case of murder.
“Unknown men fired gunshots at the vehicle, fatally wounding the victim.The gunmen fled the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. The investigating officer will pursue all the relevant information in a bid to ensure a breakthrough,” said Swartbooi
