A mass shooting at the Nyanga taxi rank in Cape Town on Tuesday morning has left one person dead and several others injured. The shooting, which appears to be linked to an ongoing intra-taxi association conflict, prompted a swift and decisive response from local law enforcement, resulting in the detention of 19 security guards for questioning.
Police were quick to respond, and during their operation, they confiscated a significant amount of weaponry, including 13 rifles and seven handguns, which authorities believe may have prevented further violence in the area. According to Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa, the shooting occurred as rival factions exchanged gunfire in close proximity to the taxi rank. A team of officers, including intelligence operatives, the National Intervention Unit, K-9 units, the drone unit, and the provincial combat team, had been monitoring the situation and were able to avert additional shootings following their rapid intervention.
The deceased, identified as a taxi security guard, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while seven others were wounded in the attack. The security guards now under questioning are believed to be linked to the incident. Police are working closely with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) to investigate the legitimacy of the firearms and the security companies they are affiliated with.
The provincial taxi task team has taken over the investigation, and police have increased their presence in the area and other known hotspots as part of efforts to maintain order and prevent further violence. The shooting left many commuters stranded, as the taxi rank was temporarily shut down due to the incident.
A case of murder and seven charges of attempted murder are currently being investigated. Authorities are continuing their efforts to identify the individuals responsible for the deadly altercation and to bring those involved to justice.
