A concerning incident has brought the issue of taxi violence to the forefront in Newcastle and its surrounding areas. A local taxi driver recently fell victim to an attempted murder, highlighting the potential dangers faced by those in the profession.
According to a police spokesperson, the 56-year-old taxi driver was driving his Quantum taxi towards Newcastle when a white Datsun GO began tailing him.
“The driver of the Datsun GO started honking, and the taxi driver believed it was a potential passenger,” revealed an official police source.
However, as the smaller vehicle drew alongside the Quantum taxi, the driver of the Datsun GO fired two gunshots in the direction of the taxi driver. The perpetrator allegedly aimed at the taxi driver’s head, making it a deliberate attempt on his life.
Fortunately, luck was on the taxi driver’s side as the gunshots missed him. The bullets whizzed harmlessly through the open windows of the taxi, causing no injuries or damage.
Undeterred by the incident, the taxi driver completed his shift before promptly reporting the matter to the police. However, despite possessing the license plate number of the Datsun GO, no arrests have been made thus far, according to Osizweni SAPS spokesperson Captain Sipho Nkosi.
Captain Nkosi stated that the perpetrator is believed to be a meter taxi driver who can be identified by the targeted taxi driver. He shed light on the concerning issue of some meter taxis operating without meeting roadworthy standards and utilising counterfeit license plates, as evidenced by the Datsun GO in question.
While the exact motive for the shooting remains unconfirmed, Captain Nkosi stated that taxi violence cannot be ruled out as a potential factor. Additionally, he highlighted that an argument between the taxi driver and the Datsun GO driver may have triggered the shooting incident.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by taxi drivers and the need for increased vigilance and safety measures within the industry. The investigation into this attempted murder is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to come forward and assist the authorities.
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