Seven k!lled in South Africa sh00tings linked to taxi rivalry

Armed men opened fire at a taxi rank in central Johannesburg on Thursday, March 20, killing four people in what police believe is another incident linked to violent rivalries between taxi associations. 

The attack followed a similar shooting in the Katlehong area southeast of the city a day earlier, which left three taxi drivers dead.

Police reported that a group of armed men arrived in a vehicle at the Jeppestown taxi rank early Thursday, March 20, and began shooting. Among the victims were a taxi driver, a taxi queue marshal, and two hawkers. Three other individuals—a university student, a taxi driver, and a passenger—were injured in the attack. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the shooting is suspected to be related to ongoing taxi violence.

On Wednesday, March 19, three taxi drivers were killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a taxi rank in Katlehong. Two passengers were wounded in that attack, which police say involved shooters randomly targeting individuals at the scene.

South Africa has a long history of deadly conflicts within its minibus taxi industry, a highly competitive and lucrative sector that serves as the main mode of transport for millions. Assassinations and violent disputes between rival taxi groups have persisted for decades.

The country continues to struggle with a high murder rate, averaging around 75 killings per day, according to police statistics. However, the figures do not specifically account for deaths linked to the taxi industry’s long-standing conflicts.