Traffic police have arrested a suspect and confiscated a firearm after gunmen opened fire on the station deck in Cape Town on Monday, wounding seven people.
Terrified commuters had to run for cover when shots rang out at the taxi rank at noon on Monday.
People jumped on top of each other and fell to the ground to evade the shooting, which is believed to be taxi-related.
A wheelchair-bound woman and six men were injured in the shooting chaos.
Five suspects are still at large.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said crime experts and detectives combed three scenes – in Old Marine Drive, Strand and Buitenkant streets.
“Cases of attempted murder are under investigation,” she said.
“The suspect will appear in court once he has been charged. The possibility that the incident is related to the taxi industry is not ruled out,” she said.
Emergency Medical Services and Forensic Pathology Services spokesperson Deanna Bessick said the Western Cape government health’s emergency medical services (EMS) said the victims were found at Old Marine Drive, the long-distance bus terminals and on the taxi rank deck.
“EMS transported four patients to hospitals nearby. The rest of the patients were transported by ER24. The patients sustained chest, shoulder and head injuries.
“Fortunately, there were no fatalities at the scene,” she said.
The City’s JP Smith commended the traffic officer for his quick response in apprehending the suspect who was armed with a 9mm firearm.
“He didn’t think twice about running down an armed man so he could ensure no one else was injured and the criminal was caught,” said Smith.
“His bravery has ensured there will be justice for those who were shot.
“Our thoughts are with them and their families.”
This shooting comes as MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela and Minister Fikile Mbalula tabled plans to formalise the taxi industry in the hope of ending violent disputes over taxi routes.
The Daily Voice contacted the respective taxi associations, but neither responded.
On Monday afternoon CATA said they were not aware of any shooting, while CODETA did not answer queries.