Gauteng police have launched an urgent investigation following a dramatic shootout at the Meyerton taxi rank on the morning of Tuesday, 20 May 2025, involving rival security companies. The confrontation left one security officer injured and resulted in the recovery of 19 high-powered firearms, raising serious concerns about escalating violence within the taxi and private security sectors.
According to police spokespersons, the altercation erupted between armed personnel linked to competing security service providers operating in the area. The gunfire caused chaos in the busy rank, forcing commuters and vendors to scramble for cover as bullets flew through the air.
Quick police intervention prevented further bloodshed, and a large cache of weapons, including automatic rifles and handguns, was seized at the scene. Authorities have not confirmed whether any arrests have been made but noted that the recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing as part of the investigation.
One security guard was reportedly taken to hospital with moderate injuries, while other involved parties are being questioned.
Police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and will include a deep probe into the licensing and legality of the security companies’ operations, amid increasing concerns over the militarisation of private security in public spaces.
The incident adds to the growing list of taxi-related violence and raises alarms over the blurred lines between private security enforcement and public safety in Gauteng.
