AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy was injured as taxi violence erupted around the Cape metropole at the weekend.
The laaitie was hit by a stray bullet as a Strand taxi driver was gunned down in Lwandle on Saturday night.
This comes while the Cape is reeling following a tragic shooting which took place on Friday morning at a Mfuleni taxi rank where seven people, including a commuter, were shot resulting in the killing of four men.
Gunmen stormed a Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (Codeta) office and opened fire on the victims.
SAPS’ Major-General Bongani Maqashalala suggested that the motive behind the attack was related to the ongoing conflict between rival taxi associations Codeta and Cape Amalgamated Taxi Associations (Cata).
The police have announced a reward of R100 000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
The motive behind Saturday’s Strand attack is also believed to be related to the taxi wars.
The public relations officer for the Strand Community Police Forum, Niklaas Thysen said: “It has been confirmed that a taxi violence shooting incident where a taxi owner was shot dead at Lwandle Street on [Saturday] night.
“The circumstances around the shooting incident where a taxi owner was shot dead are unknown at this stage and are currently being investigated by the Provincial SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes Unit.
“We are hoping that the parties involved in the taxi industry, together with all Law Enforcement agencies, can find a peaceful solution as soon as possible.”
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the case and said that the motive for this attack is believed to be taxi-related.
He said that police are investigating a case of murder and a case of attempted murder after the boy was hit.
Swartbooi reports: “Lwandle police responded to a complaint on Saturday, 7 June 2025. Upon arrival in Vulindlela Street at about 7pm they found a VW Polo in the road.
“The driver of the motor vehicle sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel.
“An 8-year-old child also sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
“The suspect/s fled the scene and they are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack is believed to be taxi related. Lwandle police registered cases of murder and attempted murder for further investigation.”
Police are appealing to anyone with information to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.