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Taxi violence erupted at Theku Plaza, Madadeni, on Friday, 28 January 2022. Gunshots rang through the air, leaving people scattering for safety.
Just to re-cap; At the time, Newcastle Police spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam explained that the conflict arose from a disagreement between the Madadeni and Bambanani taxi associations over the routes from Madadeni to Osizweni.
“Madadeni drivers started to shoot at Bambanani Taxi Association drivers with live ammunition. As a result, five people sustained gunshot wounds. Two of the five victims died. One at the scene and one on the way to the clinic.”
Now, due to further developments in the case, the deceased have been identified as 34-year-old Njabulo Shezi and 39-year-old Charles Hadebe. Additionally, two people are in critical condition, while the third is stable. According to Arumugam, all three patients were transferred from Osizweni Clinic to Madadeni Hospital.
Following the altercation in Madadeni, Bambanani Taxi Association proceeded to Newcastle Taxi Rank, blocking both the rank and the roads into it.
After the entire scene unfolded, KZN Provincial Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala explained that the police immediately began searching for the suspects.
“The suspects were traced to Newcastle where they were hiding at a rented house. With the assistance of the Newcastle Public Order Police, eight suspects aged between 29 and 39 were placed under arrest.”
During the arrest, Gwala adds that it was discovered that the suspects were security guards.
Moreover, four AK47 rifles, four pistols and 90 rounds of ammunition were seized from the suspects. Police also seized a vehicle suspected to be used to commission the offence for further investigation.
“The suspects appeared in the Madadeni Magistrates Court yesterday (31 January 2022) on charges of murder and attempted murder. They were remanded in custody until 7 February 2022,” Lieutenant Colonel Gwala concludes.
What are your thoughts on these developments? Share your view in the comment section below.
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One Response
This is not true. Bambanani taxi drivers started attacking with bricks. One of them open fire with live ammunition. The security guards responded. Secondly they were not in hiding. That’s is where they all stay. Get your facts straight before publishing anything