A taxi driver has been shot and killed in broad daylight in front of his passengers in Bellville.
Cops and rescue teams were called to the corner of Old Paarl Road and Bill Bezuidenhout Avenue late on Monday
afternoon where they found the body of the driver inside the taxi.
The taxi was heading towards Kraaifontein when the shooting happened.
It’s alleged two hitmen had stopped the taxi, pretending to be commuters, when they opened fire on the driver who was hit by about 15 bullets.
A witness who had been a passenger inside the taxi says the first gunman “fired 15 shots” at the driver.
“We were driving in the
direction of Kraaifontein when the taxi suddenly stopped along Bill Bezuidenhout Avenue to load a new passenger,” the man explains.
“A man opened the door of the taxi and began firing about 15 shots at the driver.
“A second man, who was with him, fired three shots at the driver.
“The taxi gaatjie was in shock, but managed to run away.
“The people became
hysterical and the driver’s body fell against the seat.
“We were in shock because the gunshots were so close to us.
“Everyone jumped out of the taxi and the driver was dead. Everything became quiet.”
The man says he’s known the driver for years and says a car was following the taxi before the shooting.
“I knew the driver for many years and he used to give me a lift at times.
“Most of the people ran out and took another taxi while others stood in shock until the police arrived and they gave statements.
“We remember a Toyota
Avanza following us.”
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, says the motive behind the shooting is still under investigation.