Western Cape police have seized 13 rifles and seven handguns following a violent shooting incident in Nyanga on the morning of 14 January 2025. The altercation, believed to stem from intra-taxi association conflict, left one taxi security guard dead and seven others injured.
Nineteen security guards are currently being questioned as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident.
According to police reports, a coordinated operation involving police intelligence operatives, the National Intervention Unit, K-9 teams, the drone unit, and the provincial combat team was monitoring activity near the Nyanga taxi rank when gunfire broke out between rival groups. Their swift deployment prevented further bloodshed, officials said.
In response to the violence, police have intensified their presence in the area and other potential hotspots, ensuring public safety as scores of commuters were left stranded by the chaos.
The provincial taxi task team has taken over the investigation. Police are also collaborating with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) to verify the legality of the confiscated firearms and assess the compliance of the security companies involved.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing tensions within the taxi industry and underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent further violence. Investigations are expected to shed more light on the underlying causes and those responsible.